Amy Scott: Hero cop who stopped Bondi Junction shopping centre knifeman diagnosed with rare breast cancer

The heroic police officer who ran towards danger and single-handedly took down a crazed knifeman at Bondi Junction Westfield two years ago has been diagnosed with cancer.

NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott shot and killed attacker Joel Cauchi on April 13, 2024, after he had fatally stabbed six people and injured many others, including a nine-month-old baby.

As panicked shoppers ran for their lives, Insp Scott pursued Cauchi alone. When the Queensland man refused to put the knife down and lunged towards Insp Scott, she shot him twice in the chest, sending him to the ground.

In a devastating update, NSW Police Legacy announced on Monday that Insp Scott has been diagnosed with a “rare and aggressive” form of breast cancer.

“Our beautiful friend and colleague, Inspector Amy Scott, has recently been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer,” the statement read.

“Beyond her dedicated service to the community, Amy is a devoted wife, a loving mother of two young boys, and has a family who depend on her and walk this journey beside her every day.”

Colleagues have created a fundraiser to “ease the financial burden” for Insp Scott and her family as she battles the “insidious disease”.

At the time of reporting, nearly $17,000 has been raised from over 300 donations with a goal of $25,000.

“Amy is widely known as selfless, compassionate, and one of the kindest people you could ever meet. She is every bit the remarkable human you would think. She is fiercely independent and the first to champion others,” the statement continued.

“Amy now needs the strength, compassion, and support of her community. This is a powerful reminder that even our strongest people are human.”

Insp Scott was hailed a hero for stopping the murderous rampage and was given the Commissioner’s Valour Award for “displaying exceptional bravery in a life-threatening situation” at a police graduation ceremony in June 2024.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said he was “devastated” to hear the news.

“I spoke to Amy a couple of weeks ago. She’s a genuine, bona fide Australian hero. Someone that we owe a huge debt of gratitude to, not just because of her heroic actions in Bondi Junction a couple of years ago but also she’s been an inspiration to the exact same officers that attended the terrorism event on the 14th of December,” Mr Minns said at a press conference on Monday.

“If anyone deserves a break, it’s Amy and we just wish her the very best.”

Yasmin Catley, NSW Minister for Police and Counter-Terrorism, also sent well wishes to Insp Scott.

“Amy really was the epitome of the brilliance of the NSW Police Force. The whole police family are suffering at the moment with the knowledge of her diagnosis. We wish her and her family well.”

Ms Catley revealed that on the night of the Bondi Beach terror attack, Insp Scott was the first officer to call offering help.

“She is a person who we know has been through an extraordinary terror incident herself and saved so many lives, but she’s always the first one to put up her hand to be there to support her colleagues, to support the community and to be the best that she can be as a police officer.”