A gunman is reported to be at large in the small Australian town of Lake Cargelligo, following a series of shootings that have left three people dead and one seriously wounded. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community and occurred on a national day of mourning for victims of a previous massacre.
Details of the Lake Cargelligo Shooting
Police were called to two separate addresses in Lake Cargelligo, New South Wales, shortly after 4pm local time on Thursday, which corresponds to 7am in the UK. According to Police Assistant Commissioner Andy Holland, the shootings involved two couples, with a man and woman targeted at each location within minutes of each other.
Tragically, both women and one man lost their lives in the attack. Another man was rushed to hospital and is reported to be in a serious but stable condition. All victims are confirmed to be local residents of Lake Cargelligo, a town with a population of approximately 1,500 people.
Police Response and Manhunt
State police have launched a large-scale manhunt for the suspect, whose identity is known to authorities but has not been publicly released. The relationship between the gunman and the victims remains unclear at this time.
To prevent the suspect's escape, police have cordoned off the entire town. Heavily armed tactical units have been deployed from other areas to assist in the search. Officers are urging the public to avoid Lake Cargelligo and for local residents to stay indoors for their safety.
Community and Political Reactions
Local state parliament politician Roy Butler expressed his condolences, describing the shooting as "tragic news" for the town. In a statement to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, he added, "It's a terrible situation, and it's still live, so we don't have much information. My thoughts are with the victims and their families."
National Context: Day of Mourning
The shootings in Lake Cargelligo occurred as Australia observed a national day of mourning for the victims of the Bondi Beach attack in December. That incident, which took place during a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, resulted in the deaths of 15 people.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese marked the occasion by posting on social media platform X, announcing a minute's silence and stating, "This is a day of remembrance. And a day of unity. Because light will always be stronger than hate."
Broader Implications for Gun Control
Earlier this week, Australian politicians fast-tracked reforms aimed at strengthening gun control and hate crime laws. These measures include:
- A national gun buyback scheme to reduce firearms in circulation.
- Tighter background checks for firearms licences to prevent access by high-risk individuals.
- Tougher penalties for those found guilty of spreading hate speech or inciting violence.
This tragic event in Lake Cargelligo underscores the ongoing challenges faced by communities in addressing gun violence, even as the nation reflects on past tragedies and seeks to implement stricter safety measures.
