Sydney and the rest of Australia are mourning after the fatal stabbing attack at Bondi Junction Westfield shopping centre. Five women and one man were killed, with dozens seriously injured that included a nine month old baby. This all happened on April 13, 2024, where forty year old Joel Gauchi went on a stabbing attack rampage.

Gauchi was finally cornered and confronted and fatally shot in the chest by police inspector Amy Scott. As time passed, more details have been revealed about Gauchi, who is from Toowoomba, Queensland. His parents recognised him from the news and from there called the police. What police learned was that Gauchi was transient, essentially homeless and has suffered from mental health illnesses since he was a teenager. It has been reported that he was suffering from schizophrenia and was off his medications – though to be honest this does NOT excuse what he did and the lives he took from families, friends and loved ones.

Out of the six fatally killed, three have an Asian background. Every life lost needs to be mourned, and it just hurts more to know that fifty percent of the victims were of Asian background. Let’s find out who they are:

CHENG YIXUAN

Named as the sixth victim of the stabbing attack, Cheng was studying at the University of Sydney as an international student. Police are contacting her family, with the Chinese Embassy in Australia issuing a statement saying:

 “We are deeply shocked and saddened by the unfortunate death of one Chinese student and the serious injury of another.”

Sad to hear that another Chinese student was also stabbed and fighting for his life.

FARAZ TAHIR

The day Tahir was fatally stabbed was the first day he was working at Bondi Junction Westfield’s as security. Originally from Pakistan, the thirty year old sought refuge in Australia, over a year ago. To think he was able to flee persecution in Pakistan, to only be killed in Australia. It has also been reported that Tahir was trying to protect customers and fight off Gauchi. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Australia, where Tahir was a beloved member of issued a statement saying:

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Faraz’s family and loved ones during this difficult time, as well as with all the other victims and their families affected by this senseless act of violence.”

“We extend our deepest condolences and stand in solidarity with the broader community as we come together to support one another in the face of tragedy.”

JADE YOUNG

Forty seven year old architect and mother of two, was identified as the third victim of the stabbing attack. Hailing from Bellevue Hill, Young was a member of the Bronte Surf Life Saving Club. The club issued a statement saying:

“I sadly have to report that a Bronte SLSC member, Jade Young, lost her life during the tragic events in Bondi Junction yesterday.”

This is extremely sad, and our thoughts are with the families, friends and loved ones of these three victims as well as the other three victims killed – Pikria Darchia, Ashlee Good ( the mother of the nine month old who was also stabbed. She died protecting her child), and twenty five year old Dawn Singleton (daughter of millionaire John Singleton).

We will update if any other major details comes out.