Australia’s Prime Minister hinted on Tuesday that Damien Guerot, a visiting Frenchman who bravely thwarted a knife-wielding attacker in a Sydney mall using only a bollard, could be considered for citizenship.
Guerot, hailed as “bollard man” and a “hero,” intervened during Saturday’s tragic attack that claimed six lives and injured a dozen others.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese specifically commended Guerot on Tuesday, expressing gratitude for his “extraordinary bravery” in confronting the assailant, Joel Cauchi, on an escalator and preventing further harm to potential victims.
Albanese expressed, “To Damien Guerot, currently navigating visa applications, I extend a warm welcome.
You’re invited to stay for as long as you wish. We would be honoured to have you as an Australian citizen, although France would surely feel the loss. We deeply appreciate your remarkable courage.”
He continued, “It’s a testament to the resilience of humanity during challenging times.
“Despite not being a citizen, Damien bravely intervened at the top of those escalators, preventing the perpetrator from causing further harm to our citizens.”
Australians were deeply shocked by the Saturday attack that unfolded in a bustling shopping mall in the city’s eastern suburbs.
The rampage claimed the lives of five women and one Pakistani security guard, although terrorism has not been attributed to the incident.
Police are investigating whether the perpetrator, Joel Cauchi, who had a history of mental illness, specifically targeted women.
Amidst the tragedy, there was a glimmer of hope as strangers came together to assist one another during the attack.
Additionally, there was admiration for the bravery displayed by policewoman Amy Scott, who acted alone to track down and fatally shoot Cauchi.
Reflecting on the events, Albanese remarked, “I think that on Saturday we saw some of the best of human character at the same time as we saw such devastating tragedy.”
YOU MAY ALSO READ: Top diplomats meet in France to mobilize aid for Sudan ravaged by a year-long war