Australia: 3 Killed, 4 Injured in Shooting at Lake Cargelligo in New South Wales; Police Ask Residents to Stay Indoors

At least three were killed and four others were injured in a shooting in Lake Cargelligo town in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, on Thursday, January 22. NSW Police asked people in the area to avoid the area and stay indoors as the shooter or shooters are at large.

According to the NSW Police official, the victims involved two women and a man; another man was transported to a hospital in a serious condition. Emergency services received information at around 4.40 pm after reports of gunfire in the area. 

Also Read | Three dead in shooting west of Sydney in eastern Australia.

Law enforcement agencies, including the Central West Police District, attended the emergency. "A crime scene has been established and an investigation into the circumstances of the incident has commenced," NSW police said. 

2 women, 1 man dead at lake Cargelligo. Gunman still on the loose.
I’d tell you to arm yourself to protect your families but our government wants you as a sitting duck as the don’t care about you.
If you’re in the area, just hide and hope I guess. pic.twitter.com/wrAVi88nGO

— BanFruitcakes (@Banfruitcakes) January 22, 2026

The shooting occurred at a time when Australia was observing a National Day of Mourning for the 15 people shot dead at Sydney’s Bondi Beach during a Hanukkah celebration on December 14.

NSW Law Maker Roy Butler for Barwon, which includes Lake Cargelligo, said in a social media post he had been on a plane and heard the news moments after landing. "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. I will keep you updated," he wrote.

He said in a separate post that the offender had not been detained. "Please stay indoors until advised otherwise," he posted.