At a Glance
- Three people killed in a shooting that unfolded in Lake Cargelligo, a town 300 miles west of Sydney.
- A fourth person wounded and the alleged gunman remains at large.
- The incident follows the Bondi Beach terrorist attack and coincides with national gun-law reforms.
- Why it matters: It highlights the ongoing threat of gun violence in rural communities and the urgency of new gun-control measures.
A quiet afternoon in the New South Wales town of Lake Cargelligo turned into a nightmare when a shooting erupted at two separate homes on January 22. Emergency services were dispatched at roughly 4:40 p.m. local time, and the scene quickly turned into a crime scene under the watch of NSW Police.
The Incident
New South Wales Police confirmed that two women and a man were killed. A fourth man was hospitalized in a “serious but stable” condition. The police release stated that the shooting was believed to be a domestic-violence incident.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the gunman first entered a home where he shot a woman-likely a former partner-and a man. He then moved to a second residence, shooting two more people who were known to him. The second victim was seriously injured but survived.
> “At this stage police have identified an offender who is still at large,” assistant Commissioner Andy Holland told 7News.
> “There should be people staying inside right now,” a police spokesperson told ABC.
> “We will be throwing everything at it that is available.”
The police have established a crime scene and are actively searching for the suspect.
Immediate Response
- Police tape cordoned off the area.
- Residents were urged to stay indoors.
- Central West Police and Crime Stoppers were asked to receive tips on the suspect.
> “We will be throwing everything at it that is available,” said a police spokesperson.
The community’s response was swift, with neighbors forming search parties and local media outlets providing updates.
Investigation and Search
Western Region Command’s assistant Commissioner Andy Holland confirmed that the suspect is still at large. A large search is underway, and police have requested that people remain indoors.
The investigation is focused on:
- Tracing the suspect’s movements between the two homes.
- Identifying potential witnesses who may have seen the suspect.
- Analyzing forensic evidence collected from the crime scenes.
The police are also coordinating with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and other media to spread information about the suspect’s description.
Context: Bondi Beach Attack
The Lake Cargelligo shooting came weeks after a Bondi Beach terrorist attack that killed 15 people on December 14. The incident was a mass shooting at a Hanukkah event, with 41 others injured.
- Suspect Naveed Akram (24) was charged with 15 counts of murder on December 17.
- His father, Sajid Akram (50), was shot by police and died at the scene.
The national mourning period for the Bondi victims began on January 20, the same day Australia’s parliament voted for gun-law reforms.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| December 14 | Bondi Beach shooting, 15 dead |
| December 17 | Naveed Akram charged with 15 murders |
| January 20 | Parliament votes for gun-law reforms |
| January 22 | Lake Cargelligo shooting, 3 dead |
Gun Law Reforms
Following the Bondi attack, Australia moved quickly to tighten gun control. The reforms include:
- A national gun buyback scheme.
- New checks on firearm license applications.
- Increased penalties for illegal possession.
The reforms were approved by the Australian Parliament on January 20.
Community Reaction
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the nation on X, honoring the Bondi victims and calling for unity:
> “We honour the 15 innocent lives taken in the Bondi Beach terrorist attack, and stand with their families, loved ones and the Bondi Chabad community,” Albanese wrote.
> “We will never let hate win.”
> “Flags are flying at half-mast across the country as we mourn together. This is a day of remembrance. And a day of unity. Because light will always be stronger than hate.”
Local residents in Lake Cargelligo expressed shock and a desire for increased security. Community leaders urged law-enforcement agencies to maintain a visible presence.
Key Takeaways
- Three lives lost in a rural shooting that appears linked to domestic violence.
- The suspect remains at large, prompting an extensive search.
- The tragedy underscores the need for effective gun-control legislation.
- Australia is in a period of national reflection and policy change following the Bondi Beach attack.
The investigation continues, and authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Central West Police or Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.
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