Hero who confronted stabber promised Australia visa
By Tiffanie Turnbull
A Frenchman who tried to stop a deadly stabbing rampage at a Sydney mall has been promised an Australian visa.
Damien Guerot was labelled a hero after footage of him confronting knifeman Joel Cauchi with a bollard during Saturday’s attack went viral.
Joel Cauchi killed six people and injured 12 others before he was shot dead by a police officer.
The attack in Bondi, which police say seems to have targeted women, has horrified the nation.
Amid the outpouring of grief around the country this week, there has also been a push to secure Mr Geurot – whose visa reportedly expires in a month – the right to stay in the country.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said he will make sure Mr Guerot – who has been dubbed by some as “Bollard Man” – has no issue renewing his visa.
“I say this to Damian… you are welcome to stay for as long as you like,” he said in a press conference on Tuesday.
“This is someone who we would welcome becoming an Australian citizen, although that would of course be a loss for France. We thank him for his extraordinary bravery.”
