Sydney’s western suburb of Lalor Park became the scene of a shocking shooting late Saturday night, leaving a 46-year-old man in critical condition. New South Wales police responded swiftly to reports of gunfire around 11:35 PM local time, rushing to a residential home where multiple shots had been fired.
Emergency services arrived to find the victim suffering severe injuries from the attack. Paramedics from NSW Ambulance provided immediate care on-site before transporting him to a nearby hospital in stable but critical condition. Witnesses described hearing a barrage of bullets, after which unidentified assailants fled the scene in a vehicle.
Police have cordoned off the area and launched a full investigation, appealing to local residents for any CCTV footage or information that could help identify the perpetrators. This incident adds to Sydney’s recent history of gun violence, coming in the shadow of last year’s devastating Bondi Beach massacre.
That tragic event on December 14, during a Hanukkah celebration, claimed 15 lives and prompted sweeping legislative changes. NSW Parliament passed stringent new gun control and protest laws in response. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a Royal Commission on Thursday to probe antisemitism, social cohesion, and the circumstances surrounding the Bondi attack.
Led by former High Court Justice Virginia Bell, the commission will examine the nature of antisemitism in Australia, recommend law enforcement strategies, and propose ways to strengthen national unity. Albanese emphasized his meetings with Jewish community leaders and victims’ families, underscoring the government’s commitment to harmony.
The alleged Bondi gunman, 24-year-old Naveed Akram, faces 59 charges including 15 counts of murder, reportedly inspired by Islamic State ideology. As Sydney grapples with these recurring threats, authorities urge vigilance and community cooperation to prevent further violence.