GP Fergus McCabe honored for disarming axe-wielding attacker

Dr Fergus McCabe, an Irish-born general practitioner working in Perth, Australia, has been commended by Governor-General Sam Mostyn for his bravery. The recognition follows an incident on September 28, 2023, where Dr McCabe disarmed an axe-wielding attacker at his clinic.

During the incident, Dr McCabe heard a distressing scream from a colleague's consulting room located directly below his own. Upon investigating, he encountered Christopher Bernard Healey, a former patient who was attacking Dr Anna Chaney with an axe. Dr McCabe managed to surprise and disarm the attacker, preventing further harm.

While the clinic was being evacuated and emergency services were called, other staff members and patients were present during the chaos. Dr McCabe was one of 22 individuals recognized for such courageous efforts.