Attacker in Sydney stabbing had mental health issues

Ideology ruled out as motive; man known to police but no sign he was planning attack

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The man who fatally stabbed six people in a random attack in Sydney had mental health issues in the past and there is no indication ideology was a motive in the attack in one of the city's busiest shopping centres, the police said on April 14.

The attacker, identified by the police as 40-year-old Joel Cauchi, was known to the police in the neighbouring state of Queensland.

New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland police spoke to his family after the April 13 attack.

His family recognised him and contacted the police on April 13 after seeing news reports of the killings.

"The family, when they viewed footage of the event on TV, thought that may well have been their son, and they reached out to authorities," said Queensland Police Assistant Commissioner Roger Lowe.

The family said they were devastated by his actions, expressing condolences to the victims and the police officer who shot him dead.

"Joel's actions were truly horrific, and we are still trying to comprehend what has happened," the family said in a statement. "He has battled with mental health issues since he was a teenager." Witnesses said the assailant, Cauchi, wore shorts and an Australian national rugby league jersey.

He was seen running through Westfield Bondi Junction mall with a knife, randomly attacking people.