Bondi Junction killer advertised online as a male escort

The man who killed six people in a brutal stabbing rampage at a Sydney shopping centre had previously attempted to access weapons and had advertised himself online as a male escort, according to his social media posts.

Joel Cauchi, 40, has been identified as the man caught on camera wearing a rugby league jersey and wielding a knife in the Westfield at Bondi Junction yesterday afternoon.

Posts in two separate Facebook groups from 2020 show that Cauchi had been looking for "groups of people who shoot guns, including handguns, to meet up with, chat with, and get to know".

"Please send me a DM if you can help me out! I live in Brisbane by the way," Cauchi posted.

READ MORE: Mum killed in Sydney stabbing spree identified

Cauchi had also uploaded a profile to an escort website, where he was soliciting for sex work.

The profile, which has since been removed, describes Cauchi's physical characteristics and the type of escort work he was available for.

"I am an athletic, good looking 39 year old guy," the profile reads.

READ MORE: Police investigate whether Sydney stabbing spree killer targeted women

Police are now investigating Cauchi's "life leading up to yesterday" in the aftermath, and believe he had lived an "itinerant lifestyle" of sleeping rough and had a long history of mental health issues.

Queensland Police Assistant Commissioner Roger Lowe said Cauchi was believed to have been sleeping rough or in a vehicle around Queensland before moving to New South Wales.

"He has moved from Brisbane, Kangaroo Point, Carina and back to his family's residence".

Cuachi was "street checked" by police on the Gold Coast in December 2023, but had never been arrested or criminally charged in Queensland.

Lowe said Cuachi was diagnosed with mental illness at age 17, and that Queensland Police were investigating whether his mental health had declined over recent years.

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said police were now investigating the man's life and movements before the horrifying assault.

"This will be an active investigation for many days and perhaps weeks while we identify not only the movement of the offender, not just yesterday, but the hours, the days, the weeks, his life leading up to yesterday," she said.

"We do understand that there is a history of mental health."

In the days before the stabbing at Bondi Junction, Cauchi had made other Facebook posts seeking to meet up with other people.

"Hi I am surfing Bondi this afternoon if anyone wants to meet there for a surf!" one said.

Another read: "Hi I am looking for a fluent Swedish speaker for a language exchange. I am a fluent English speaker and can teach that in exchange for being taught Swedish if you are interested."

Four women and one man died at the scene, with another woman, 38-year-old mum Ash Good, dying later in hospital.

Twelve others were taken to hospital, including Good's nine-month-old daughter.

Cauchi was shot dead by NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott, who entered the shopping centre alone after getting the call.

This morning, police said Cauchi had moved down to NSW from Queensland last month.

READ MORE: 'Enormous courage and bravery': Police officer's actions praised

NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Anthony Cooke said police had spoken with Cauchi's family, who were co-operating with investigators.

"We know that shortly after coming to Sydney, (Cauchi) took possession of a storage facility that has been identified and we have worked through that very small storage facility," Cooke said.

"As I had said last night, there is still to this point nothing that we have, no information we have received, no evidence we have recovered, no intelligence we have gathered, that would suggest that this was driven by any particular motivation, ideology or otherwise."

READ MORE: Video emerges of shopper confronting armed man with bollard at Bondi Westfield

Cooke said Cauchi had suffered from mental health issues, and it "very clearly" appeared that the attack was linked to his mental state.

Cauchi was known to Queensland Police, who are assisting with the ongoing investigation.

Queensland police said that Cauchi's family came forward to identify their son to authorities after they saw Saturday's horrific events on TV.

Believing the man shot dead in Bondi Junction Westfield to be their son, they reached out to police.

It is believed that Cauchi's family also sent a statement of condolences to the victims of the knife attack, and expressed their concern for the NSW police officer's wellbeing.

What we know so far

• Six people have been killed in a mass stabbing attack at Westfield shopping centre at Bondi Junction in Sydney's eastern suburbs.
• The man, identified as 40-year-old Joel Cauchi, was shot dead by NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott at the scene. Police do not believe he acted "with ideation".
• Twelve people were taken to hospital, though police said others may have presented independently with minor injuries.
• A baby and a mother were among those stabbed. The mother, 38-year-old Ash Good, has since died of her injuries. The baby continues to receive treatment.
• Mobile phone footage shows crowds within stairwells, with other shoppers saying they were evacuated to the roof
• Shoppers helped victims as others cowered in shops for up to two hours.
• The attacker acted alone and there is no ongoing threat.
• The shopping centre will remain closed on Sunday as police work through the crime scene.

If you're struggling, know that help is available 24/7.

Lifeline: Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online.

Kids Helpline: Call 1800 55 1800 or chat online.

Beyond Blue: Call 1300 22 4636 or chat online.

1800RESPECT: Call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or chat online.

13 Yarn: Call 13 92 76.

MensLine Australia: Call 1300 78 99 78.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).