A tragic shooting in the rural New South Wales town of Lake Cargelligo has claimed the lives of three people and left another seriously injured, authorities said Thursday. The suspected gunman remains at large as police pursue leads and urge residents to stay indoors. The violence unfolded as the nation observed a Day of Mourning for victims of a major mass shooting in Sydney last month.
Deadly Shooting in Lake Cargelligo
Police and emergency services were called to Lake Cargelligo, located more than 600 kilometers west of Sydney, following reports of gunfire in the late afternoon. Two women and one man were found dead at the scene, and another man was taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition, officials confirmed.
After arriving, officers established a crime scene across two separate properties where the killings occurred. Authorities identified a suspect believed to have known the victims, though details surrounding his identity and motive remain limited.
Ongoing Manhunt and Public Safety Alerts
A large-scale police operation was launched to track down the suspected shooter, who is believed to have fled in a vehicle. Tactical units and additional resources from neighboring districts have been deployed to the town, and residents have been advised to avoid the area and stay inside as the search continues.
Law enforcement urged anyone with information to come forward as they work to apprehend the suspect. Local businesses were temporarily closed as part of safety precautions, and real-time alerts were issued to keep the community informed.
Context: National Mourning After Bondi Beach Attack
The Lake Cargelligo shooting took place on the same day that Australia marked a national Day of Mourning for the 15 people killed in a mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney during a Hanukkah celebration in December — the deadliest terror incident on Australian soil in decades. Commemorative events, moments of silence, and candle-lighting ceremonies were held nationwide to honour the victims and promote unity.
In response to the Bondi tragedy, the federal government has passed new gun control and anti-hate speech legislation aimed at bolstering public safety and preventing similar violence.
