A French shopper who bravely fought off the Sydney mall attacker will be allowed to permanently reside in the country after being offered citizenship.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged to award citizenship to Damien Guerot, the Frenchman hailed as the "Bollard Man" for his heroic act.
Guerot's brave confrontation with murderer Joel Cauchi, captured in a viral video, earned him widespread acclaim.
The Daily Mail reports that Guerot intervened to prevent Cauchi from accessing an area where children were present at Westfield Bondi Junction.
During Cauchi's terrifying stabbing spree, which claimed the lives of five women and a man, Guerot repeatedly rushed to aid those in danger.
With his visa set to expire soon, a petition advocating for his Australian citizenship gained traction.
Addressing Guerot's visa status, Prime Minister Albanese stated on Tuesday: "I say this to Damien Guerot, who is dealing with his visa applications, that you are welcome here. You are welcome to stay for as long as you like."
Reflecting on the encounter, Guerot recounted the moments when he and his friend, Silas Despreaux, attempted to apprehend Cauchi.
Despite their efforts to deter him with a bollard, Cauchi managed to evade capture. Guerot described Cauchi as having "empty eyes."
When Cauchi attempted to flee, Guerot pursued him alongside NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott, who ultimately neutralized the threat by fatally shooting Cauchi. Guerot commended Inspector Scott's swift actions, acknowledging her as the true hero of the ordeal.
As authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the attack, the community mourns the loss of the victims: Dawn Singleton, Jade Young, Pikria Darchia, Yixuan Cheng, Faraz Tahir, and Ashlee Good.
Cauchi's parents, Michele and Andrew, have spoken out about their son's attacks, stating that they "love him" while branding him a "monster", per the Daily Mail.
Describing Cauchi as a "beautiful boy", the Cauchis recalled their son's battle with schizophrenia and his struggle to find stability.
Living with them in Toowoomba, southern Queensland, until the age of 35, Joel's life took a dark turn when he attempted to stop taking his anti-psychotic medication in pursuit of a normal life.
"How do you love a monster? Give birth to them!" Andrew expressed.
Despite their love for their son, they acknowledged his fascination with knives and his difficulties in forming relationships, particularly with women.
Andrew went on: "I did everything in my power to help him. I'd go down to Brisbane, spend the day with them, take him to the Gold Coast, take him wherever he wanted. There's nothing I can do or say that can bring it back. My son, my son… I'm loving a monster. He's a monster to me. He was a very sick boy."
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