Journalism of Courage
Australian police are preparing to question a man accused of opening fire from a Sydney apartment window on Sunday night, critically injuring at least one person, according to Reuters. Investigators seek to determine his motive. Authorities have ruled out any links to terrorism.
According to acting Superintendent Stephen Parry, the suspect allegedly fired up to 50 rounds from a .30-calibre rifle at random in the suburb of Croydon Park before being apprehended by police. “It is incredible that nobody died,” Parry told reporters, noting that the man had no connections to organised crime or terror groups.
He is expected to face firearms-related charges.
Two individuals were treated in hospital, with one requiring surgery, Parry said during a briefing broadcast by the ABC. A total of 14 people received treatment at the scene for shock or minor injuries, according to a spokesperson for NSW Ambulance.
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“The male person has no recorded mental health history with us,” Parry added. “He’s being assessed for physical and mental health injuries overnight and this morning, and has been deemed suitable to return to custody.”
Police are yet to establish why the suspect carried out the shooting.
Earlier statements to Reuters confirmed that authorities do not believe there were terrorist or religious motives behind the attack. Parry also noted that the suspect had very few recorded interactions with police over the past 20 years.
