Three fatal shootings have resulted in a quiet regional community in New South Wales (NSW) being put into a state of horror. NSW Police have declared the shooting a major critical incident and have been performing a massive air and ground search for someone “armed and extremely dangerous.”
The Incident at Dawn
The attack erupted early Thursday, January 22, 2026. According to reports, emergency services arrived on a residential property where there were many gunshots. When they were there, officers found the bodies of two men and one woman. Despite the paramedics’ efforts, all three had been declared dead at the scene. The identity of the victims has not been released until after next of kin has been notified, though local reports indicate the attackers would potentially have known the victims.
Town Under Lockdown
Close to the discovery, police put the surrounding township into near complete lockdown. Residents have now been issued an emergency “shelter-in-place” order through mobile alerts urging them to stay inside, keep all doors and windows locked, and report suspicious activity immediately. Schools and small businesses in the area have been closed as a “black-zone” perimeter was formed. Special Operations Group tactical units are conducting house-to-house searches on the locations.
The Manhunt for the Gunman
The suspect reportedly fled the scene in a vehicle, which was then discovered abandoned a few kilometers in a dense wooded area. Police are thinking the gunman is on foot and would likely still possess a powerful gun. NSW Police Superintendent spoke to the media using a short midday press conference:
"The situation is fast evolving and very sensitive right now. We are chasing a person of interest and the main objective is the safety of the area. Do not speak to anyone you think matches the description of the suspect; please call 000 immediately.”
Community in Shock
The shooting has rattled the region, where violent crime of this nature is incredibly rare. Neighbors said the victims were “quiet and well liked” and said they did not believe it could happen in their small-town setting. Since evening, as nightfall approaches, police have been sending thermal-imaging helicopters to observe the surrounding bushland. Law enforcement officers are also examining CCTV and dashcam footage from the incident to see where the suspect was heading.
