Westfield Bondi Junction stabbing: Hero cop who took knifeman down identified as Inspector Amy Scott

The heroic senior female police officer who single-handedly confronted and shot dead a crazed knifeman has previously been recognised for her courage.

NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott has been hailed worldwide as a hero and flooded with praise for her brave actions at Westfield Bondi Junction in Sydney's east on Saturday afternoon where six people were tragically stabbed to death.

The inspector attached to the Eastern Suburbs police command was near the busy shopping centre as the terrifying rampage unfolded.

As the first police officer on scene, Inspector Scott sprinted through the top level of the shopping complex, and risked her life when she single-handedly confronted the knifeman, 40, who also injured eight others.

The man lunged at Inspector Scott, who shot him dead.

The senior police officer performed CPR on the killer, along with other victims lying on the ground in nearby stores, as she waited for back-up to arrive.

Inspector Scott is 'doing well under the circumstances,' NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said on Saturday evening.

She will be formally interviewed as part of the investigation into the violent attack. 

It's not the first time Inspector Scott has been recognised for her policing efforts.

In 2019, she was a sergeant stationed at nearby Kings Cross when she was recognised at the Rotary Club Police Officer of the Year award ceremony.

She received the Demonstrated Courage and Devotion to Duty award.

Commissioner Webb, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, NSW Premier Chris Minns, and even the Prince and Princess of Wales have led the flood of tributes commending the brave actions of the officer.

While NSW Police was tight-lipped about the hero cop's identity on Saturday night, Inspector Scott was unmasked online, where she was hailed as a national hero.

'She was utterly fearless, brave and amazing. How many lives did she save today? Brave,' one posted on X.

Another added: 'Absolute legend. Just happened to be in the vicinity and the first on scene. Didn't even hesitate.'

A third wrote: 'She did what she had to do in that situation. No f******g around or pandering to a murderer. We need more police like that.'

A fourth touted her as a possible Australian of the Year contender while other called for her to receive a bravery award.

Some pointed out she was wearing little protection.

'No vest, no protective gear, no backup? No problems,' one wrote.

Others showed concern for the officer's wellbeing.

'While throwing words like 'hero' around, remember, the taking of a life will change hers as well. Heroes can be victims too, let's hope she gets every bit of support needed,' one commented.

Commissioner Webb revealed that she has spoken to Inspector Scott following the tragedy.

'She showed enormous courage and bravery, and she will obviously process that,' Commissioner Webb said.

'She will need to be interviewed formally and so we just talked about that she's OK and that her family's OK.

'She's got everything she needs for the time being, and she will be formally interviewed tomorrow no doubt.'

She added that the cop was an experienced officer.

'She's a very senior officer and it's not unusual for a senior officer to be out leading troops and therefore, she was on her own,' Commissioner Webb said.

Assistant Commissioner Anthony Cooke earlier said that the officer engaged immediately on her arrival to the scene.

'The officer was guided to the location of the offender by people who are in the centre, and she took the actions that she did, saving a range of people's lives,' he said.

Waverley Mayor Paula Masselos also commended the officer's courage while paying tribute to the 'everyday heroes' involved, including a bystander who confronted the knifeman on the escalators.

'She (the police officer) was there on her own and she went towards the danger,' she told Sky News UK.

'Even [after she shot the attacker], she immediately began applying CPR – that just shows you the dedication of the person and her incredible act of heroism – even then her main concern was for someone who had fallen.

'I will be reaching out to the various service providers and to the police to see what practical support we can offer as a council.'

Mr Albanese held a snap press conference in Canberra to address the tragedy on Saturday night, where he also praised the officer.

'She entered the proceedings that were taking place, obviously very dangerous, by herself,' he said.

'She is certainly a hero. There is no doubt that she saved lives through her actions. 

'Today is a reminder that those people who wear a uniform are people who rushed to danger, not away from it.'

The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission has launched a critical incident into the police officer's brave actions.

'The NSWPF are investigating the circumstances of the incident and this investigation will be reviewed by the Professional Standards Command,' a statement read.

Westfield Bondi Junction is expected to remain closed for several days.