Gunman on the Run, Town Sealed Off: Australia Rocked by Fresh Shooting Weeks After Bondi Horror

According to The Sydney Morning Herald Report, the Lake Cargelligo Shooting Incident is Suspected to be a Domestic Violence Attack

At least three people were killed, and another was injured on Thursday (January 22, 2026) in a shooting in a town in Australia's New South Wales state. The Australian News agencies have described the incident as a suspected domestic violence attack.

The shooting happened just a day after Australia’s Parliament approved new anti-hate speech and gun control legislation following the Bondi Beach attack.

New South Wales Shooting

The Sydney Morning Herald reported that a gunman was believed to be holed up in the town with a long-arm weapon. Police said an operation was currently underway in the town of Lake Cargelligo, which is located about 611 kilometres (379 miles) west of Sydney. The residents were urged to stay indoors.

Emergency services were called to Lake Cargelligo following reports of a shooting. Lake Cargelligo harbours around 1,500 people. Among those killed are two women and a man, while another man was taken to a hospital in serious but stable condition. 

It is unclear whether the shooting was the act of one person or several, and the shooter or shooters appear to be at large. A local media outlet reported that the gunman escaped from the scene in a vehicle belonging to the local council. 

Bondi Beach Massacre

Thursday's shooting comes a little over a month after the terror attack on Bondi Beach in Sydney, which left 15 people dead and nearly 40 injured. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was applauded after apologising to the Jewish community at the service to remember the Bondi Beach victims.

“We cherish the promise of Australia. That this country is a safe harbour,” he was quoted by the Sydney Morning Herald as saying.

“Sadly, that promise was broken. You came to celebrate a festival of light and freedom, and you left with the violence of hatred. I am deeply and profoundly sorry that we could not protect your loved ones from this evil.”

Final Thoughts

Authorities said the two alleged Sydney gunmen were inspired by the Islamic State group to carry out Australia's worst mass shooting since 1996.

Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland said, "There will be an increased presence of police in that location; we have a public order riot squad possibly coming out to ensure the safety of the community."