French craftsman Damien Guerot earned the status of an Australian permanent resident on Thursday, recognized for his exceptional bravery during a knife assault in a Sydney shopping center that claimed the lives of six individuals and injured a dozen others.
Dubbed “Bollard Man” on social platforms, the 31-year-old’s valor was captured on security footage as he positioned himself at the summit of an escalator in the Westfield Bondi Junction mall. Guerot deterred the knife-wielding assailant Joel Cauchi using a plastic barrier post, prompting Cauchi to retreat down the escalator and sparing those on Guerot’s floor from harm.
Guerot’s provisional work visa in Australia was set to lapse in July, but Prime Minister Anthony Albanese intervened, inviting him to establish residency in Australia.
In an interview with Nine Network Television, Guerot expressed his appreciation for the chance to stay in Australia, albeit mixed with solemnity. “It’s surreal,” he remarked. However, he added, “How can I fully embrace joy when so many individuals and families are mourning their losses?”
Footage also depicted Guerot wielding a plastic chair as he charged at Cauchi alongside Police Inspector Amy Scott. Guerot, along with fellow Frenchman and colleague Silas Despreaux, accompanied Scott as she ended Cauchi’s rampage with a decisive shot.
Despreaux had similarly pursued Cauchi and flung a pole at the assailant but remained absent from the shared footage on social media or news broadcasts.
French President Emmanuel Macron lauded the duo’s bravery, proclaiming in French on social media, “Two of our countrymen demonstrated remarkable heroism. We hold immense pride and appreciation for their actions.”
Albanese addressed Guerot during a press briefing on Monday, stating, “You are welcome to reside here indefinitely.”
Albanese noted that Australia would be fortunate to welcome Guerot as a citizen, although it would be a setback for France.
Guerot’s attorney, Belinda Robertson, noted her client had been informed the prime minister lacked the authority to grant citizenship. Nevertheless, on Thursday, Guerot received permanent residency.
Albanese also suggested the possibility of citizenship for Pakistani security guard Muhammad Taha, who was wounded in the abdomen while confronting Cauchi. Taha’s temporary visa is set to expire in the coming weeks.
“Yes, we certainly will,” Albanese confirmed to Radio FiveAA when asked if he would consider granting Taha citizenship. “Muhammad Taha stood up to the perpetrator, Joel Cauchi, on Saturday. His extraordinary courage deserves recognition and gratitude,” Albanese stated. “That’s the kind of bravery we want to acknowledge.”
From his hospital bed, Taha affirmed he felt he merited “recognition and consideration for citizenship.” He underscored the contributions of his fellow guards, advocating for them to receive citizenship as well. The only male victim in Saturday’s attack was a mall security guard and Pakistani refugee, Faraz Tahir.
Immigration and Citizenship Minister Andrew Giles did not immediately respond to an inquiry for comment on Thursday.
Westfield Bondi Junction reopened to the public on Thursday for the first time since the mass stabbing, with shops remaining closed for a “community reflection day.” The shopping center, one of the largest in Australia, will resume business on Friday with heightened security measures.
The tragic rampage was the first of two knife attacks by solitary perpetrators over a three-day span, leaving Sydney reeling.
A 16-year-old is in custody after allegedly stabbing a Christian bishop and priest during a church service on Monday. Authorities suspect the boy was motivated by religious or ideological beliefs and launched the attack during the streamed service to instill fear.
Police are conducting extensive inquiries into the shopping mall incident, the stabbings at the Christ the Good Shepherd Church, and a riot outside the Orthodox Assyrian service, where individuals sought retribution for the attack.
While the mall incident isn’t under criminal investigation, police are gathering evidence for a coroner to examine the circumstances of the deaths. Five of the deceased were women.
In the inquiry into the riot, police made their first arrest late Wednesday when they apprehended a 19-year-old male at his Sydney residence. He remained in custody overnight and was due in court on Thursday, facing charges of rioting, affray, and property damage amid public disorder, according to a police statement.
Numerous other suspected rioters are anticipated to face charges.