French president Emmanuel Macron has spoken out about the French 'bollard men', after their heroic acts made headlines around the world.
In a post to X (formerly Twitter), Macron gave his condolences to those affected by the Bondi attack, where six people were killed and a dozen were seriously injured.
"Two of our compatriots behaved like true heroes," he wrote in translated remarks.
"Very great pride and recognition."
One of the men, French national Damien Guerot, was heading to the gym with his friend Silas Despreaux when Joel Cauchi started his murderous rampage.
Footage from the incident shows Guerot seemingly blocking off an escalator while holding a bollard in the shopping centre as Cauchi was trying to climb up.
It was reported the quick thinking from the pair could have potentially saved many lives. It is also understood the area Guerot blocked off was where dozens of children were playing, according to News.com.au.
On social media, Guerot was hailed as a hero, and given the title "bollard man".
On Tuesday, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese thanked Guerot for his "extraordinary bravery".
Albanese also suggested Guerot should become an Australian citizen, after he expressed his love for the country and said he would like to call it home.
"You are welcome to stay for as long as you like, this is someone who we would welcome becoming an Australian citizen," Albanese said.
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