Police believe he may have been targeting women in the attack for the most part.
Cauchi’s family released a statement saying he “has battled with mental health issues” since he was a teenager.
“Joel’s actions were truly horrific, and we are still trying to comprehend what has happened,” the family said.
“We are in contact with both the New South Wales Police Force and Queensland Police Service and have no issues with the Police Officer who shot our son as she was only doing her job to protect others, and we hope she is coping alright,” the statement said.
Andrew Cauchi, the father of Joel Cauchi, told CNN affiliate 9 News that he was “heartbroken” for the families of the victims.
“I’m extremely sorry. I’m heartbroken for you. Look, this is so horrendous, that I can’t even explain it,” he said. “To you he’s a monster. To me, he was a very sick boy. He was a very sick boy.”
https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2024/04/15/australia/australia-sydney-mall-attacker-targeted-women-victims-intl-hnk