Tragedy Strikes Lake Cargelligo: Three Dead in NSW Shooting as Gunman Remains at Large
Published 22 January 2026
Highlights
- Three people were killed in a shooting in Lake Cargelligo, New South Wales, with a fourth person hospitalized in serious condition.
- The gunman remains at large, prompting a significant police operation and public safety warnings in the area.
- Authorities suspect the incident may be related to domestic violence, but it is not considered terror-related.
- The shooting occurred around 16:40 local time, and heavily armed police have been deployed to apprehend the suspect.
- Local residents have been advised to stay indoors as police continue their search for the gunman.
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Rewritten Article
Tragedy Strikes Lake Cargelligo: Three Dead in NSW Shooting as Gunman Remains at Large
A tragic shooting in the small town of Lake Cargelligo, New South Wales, has left three people dead and one seriously injured, as police launch a manhunt for the suspect. The incident unfolded on Thursday at approximately 16:40 local time (05:40 GMT), prompting a swift response from emergency services and law enforcement.
Incident Overview
The shooting, which took place near Walker Street and Yelkin Street, claimed the lives of two women and a man. A fourth victim, a man, was rushed to the hospital and is reported to be in a serious but stable condition. The gunman, who is believed to have fled the scene in a vehicle owned by the local council, remains at large, leading to a heightened police presence in the area.
Police Response and Public Safety
NSW police have urged residents of Lake Cargelligo, a town with a population of around 1,500, to remain indoors as they continue their search for the suspect. Heavily armed tactical units have been deployed, and resources from surrounding areas have been called in to assist in the operation. Authorities have emphasized that the incident is not being treated as terror-related, although it is suspected to be linked to domestic violence.
Community Impact
The shooting has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community, with local MP Roy Butler expressing his condolences to the victims' families. "It's a terrible situation, and it's still live, so we don’t have much information," Butler stated on social media. The incident follows a recent mass shooting at Sydney's Bondi Beach, which resulted in 15 fatalities, further heightening concerns about public safety in the region.
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Scenario Analysis
As the search for the gunman continues, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of Lake Cargelligo's residents. The deployment of tactical police units underscores the seriousness of the situation and the urgency to apprehend the suspect. Should the gunman be captured, legal proceedings will likely follow, potentially shedding light on the motives behind the attack. Meanwhile, the incident may prompt discussions on domestic violence and public safety measures in rural communities across New South Wales.
A tragic shooting in the small town of Lake Cargelligo, New South Wales, has left three people dead and one seriously injured, as police launch a manhunt for the suspect. The incident unfolded on Thursday at approximately 16:40 local time (05:40 GMT), prompting a swift response from emergency services and law enforcement.
Incident Overview
The shooting, which took place near Walker Street and Yelkin Street, claimed the lives of two women and a man. A fourth victim, a man, was rushed to the hospital and is reported to be in a serious but stable condition. The gunman, who is believed to have fled the scene in a vehicle owned by the local council, remains at large, leading to a heightened police presence in the area.
Police Response and Public Safety
NSW police have urged residents of Lake Cargelligo, a town with a population of around 1,500, to remain indoors as they continue their search for the suspect. Heavily armed tactical units have been deployed, and resources from surrounding areas have been called in to assist in the operation. Authorities have emphasized that the incident is not being treated as terror-related, although it is suspected to be linked to domestic violence.
Community Impact
The shooting has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community, with local MP Roy Butler expressing his condolences to the victims' families. "It's a terrible situation, and it's still live, so we don’t have much information," Butler stated on social media. The incident follows a recent mass shooting at Sydney's Bondi Beach, which resulted in 15 fatalities, further heightening concerns about public safety in the region.
What this might mean
As the search for the gunman continues, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of Lake Cargelligo's residents. The deployment of tactical police units underscores the seriousness of the situation and the urgency to apprehend the suspect. Should the gunman be captured, legal proceedings will likely follow, potentially shedding light on the motives behind the attack. Meanwhile, the incident may prompt discussions on domestic violence and public safety measures in rural communities across New South Wales.
