In a harrowing incident at a busy shopping centre, a knife-wielding attacker unleashed chaos on April 13, 2024, leading to six fatalities, including five women and a security guard. Eyewitnesses captured the terror unfolding on their smartphones, a reaction that a senior anti-terrorism police officer, Chief Inspector Colin Green, deemed concerning. He stressed that the public often struggles to understand how to respond appropriately to armed threats in crowded spaces.
Green emphasised the importance of public safety protocols like “Escape, Hide, Tell”. He compared this guidance to well-known fire safety advice, urging that it should be ingrained in public consciousness, particularly among youth. The NSW Coroners Court is currently investigating the tragic events, which saw Joel Cauchi, the mentally unstable perpetrator, carry out a mass stabbing using a 30-centimetre knife.
The chaos that ensued caused significant confusion and delayed emergency responses. Green expressed dismay at the prevalence of filming during emergencies rather than prioritising personal safety and assisting others. He noted a specific incident where two French nationals attempted to deter Cauchi with bollards, showcasing the bravery of some bystanders amidst ppanic.
The inquest revealed that even emergency services struggled to coordinate effectively during the attack. The duty officer for the NSW Ambulance Special Operations Teams was only made aware of the situation by chance, nearly 14 minutes after the incident began. This delay raised concerns about the efficiency of the operational response, as specialist paramedics had not received timely notifications despite being deployed nearby.
Cauchi’s attack, which unfolded within five minutes, left 16 people injured before he was shot dead by police. The inquest highlighted systemic issues within the emergency response framework, including a lack of embedded special operations paramedics with police on high-risk days. This absence contributed to critical delays, such as the 16-minute wait for paramedics to receive clearance to use protective equipment.
The tragedy has sparked significant public reflection, with memorials held for the victims, including Ashlee Good, Faraz Tahir, Dawn Singleton, Jade Young, Pikria Darchia, and Yixuan Cheng. It also brought attention to issues surrounding mental health, as Cauchi had previously been treated for schizophrenia but had ceased medication in 2019.
As this inquest unfolds, it serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities in fast-paced public environments and the crucial necessity of educating the public on effective responses to emergencies. Readers in need of support can reach out to services like Lifeline at 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue at 1300 22 4636.