Sydney witnessed a terrifying night of gunfire when a 60-year-old man opened fire on a busy street in the city’s Inner West, injuring at least 20 people. The gunman reportedly fired nearly 100 bullets over two hours, sending the area into chaos before being apprehended by police.
Two-Hour Rampage Ends in Arrest
According to New South Wales Police, the shooting occurred between 7:45 PM and 9:30 PM on Sunday. Officers surrounded the scene after receiving multiple reports of shots fired at passing vehicles and pedestrians. The suspect was arrested from an apartment above a local business, and two rifles were seized from his possession.
Acting Police Superintendent Stephen Parry described the incident as “serious and terrifying,” confirming that the shooter was also treated for injuries sustained during his arrest.
One man suffered a direct gunshot wound and drove himself to a hospital, while 19 others were treated for shrapnel and glass injuries from shattered windows and vehicles.
Eyewitness Accounts: ‘It Sounded Like Fireworks’
Eyewitness Joe Azar, speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, said,
“At first, I thought it was fireworks. Then the windshield of a car blew up, and the bus stop glass shattered.”
Residents described scenes of panic as the busy commercial street went into lockdown. Police deployed tactical units and ordered people indoors as gunfire echoed for nearly two hours.
No Terror Links, Motive Under Investigation
Authorities have confirmed there are no known ties to terrorism or gang activity. Investigators are still determining the motive behind the shooting.
Mass shootings are extremely rare in Australia, where automatic and semi-automatic weapons were banned after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, which killed 35 people.
