Heroic 'Bollard Man' Earns Australian Residency After Thwarting Sydney Attack
April 17, 2024French construction worker Damien Guerot, dubbed 'Bollard Man', has been awarded a permanent resident visa by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese following his heroic actions during a knife attack at a Sydney mall.
Guerot, initially in Australia on a temporary work visa due to expire in July, has been commended for his bravery and is now invited to reside indefinitely in the country, with citizenship as a potential future option.
The Prime Minister acknowledged Guerot's heroism, stating his welcome to become an Australian citizen, albeit noting it would be France's loss.
Guerot's intervention, along with others, in the attack that left six dead and at least a dozen injured, was crucial in mitigating what could have been an even more tragic outcome.
The perpetrator of the knife attack, identified as Joel Cauchi, was fatally shot by police, and officials have lauded Guerot and other responders' efforts in preventing additional casualties.
Summary based on 15 sources
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Sources
BBC News • Apr 16, 2024
'Bollard Man': Hero who confronted stabber promised Australia visaThe Guardian • Apr 16, 2024
Bondi Junction stabbing: Albanese offers citizenship to French man who confronted attacker with bollardYahoo News • Apr 16, 2024
Australia's leader says French worker who intervened in stabbing attack can stay as long as he likes