• The attack, which resulted in the deaths of five women and one man, was likely related to Cauchi’s mental health.
• Cauchi had lived itinerantly for several years and was diagnosed with a mental illness at 17.
• They have no issues with the officer who shot Cauchi and hope she is coping.

Australian police have identified Joel Cauchi, 40, as the knife-wielding man responsible for killing six people in a Sydney shopping center before being shot dead. Cauchi sent the crowded Westfield Bondi Junction complex into panic on Saturday when he began stabbing people with a long blade, resulting in the deaths of five women and one man. Several others, including a baby, sustained injuries in the attack.

Authorities stated that the attack was most likely “related to the mental health” of Mr. Cauchi. When asked if she believed he was targeting women, New South Wales Police Commissioner Karen Webb told reporters on Sunday that it would be “an obvious line of inquiry.”

She added that she would not describe the stabbings as an “act of terror,” reiterating that police believed there was “no ideological motivation.” Mr. Cauchi was previously known to police but had never been arrested or charged in his home state Queensland. Queensland Police said he had lived itinerantly for several years and was first diagnosed with a mental illness at 17.

In a statement released through Queensland Police, his family described his actions as “horrific” and stated that he had had mental health issues “since he was a teenager.” The Cauchi family expressed devastation over the traumatic events that occurred in Sydney yesterday.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the victims and those still undergoing treatment at this time.”

“Joel’s actions were truly horrific, and we are still trying to comprehend what has happened.”

They added that they were in touch with police and stated that they had “no issues” with the officer who shot Mr. Cauchi.

“She was only doing her job to protect others, and we hope she is coping alright.”

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