A recent shooting at the Harold Park Hotel in Forest Lodge, Sydney, has left one man dead and another seriously injured. Among the victims is 31-year-old Maradona Yalda, an individual with known connections to the criminal underworld, who somehow managed to survive the attack. Tragically, his friend, 39-year-old Gilbert Shino, did not fare as well, succumbing to multiple gunshot wounds at the scene.
The incident occurred at around 6:40 pm, with reports suggesting that gunmen targeted the pair while they were inside the hotel. Prior to the shooting, Yalda and Shino had been enjoying a UFC event broadcasted in the pub. Witness accounts indicated that bullets, some of which ricocheted wildly, narrowly missed patrons and staff, with one bullet even penetrating a nearby home.
After the shooting began, Yalda fled towards the pub but was struck in the process. He was found injured and slumped over a refuse bin nearby, while Shino was discovered near their vehicle a short distance away.
Detective Superintendent Alfio Sergi confirmed authorities are treating this as a targeted attack, underlining police concerns about potential links to organised crime. Witnesses reported hearing between six and twelve gunshots, with multiple bullet casings recovered at the scene, indicating a premeditated assault. The ongoing police investigation focuses on the possibility of retaliation stemming from this violent act, and there is an active manhunt for the shooters involved.
The shooting has sparked a significant response from law enforcement, who continue to delve into the suspects’ connections to criminal networks, ensuring that any potential retaliatory measures can be swiftly addressed. As police work diligently to apprehend those responsible, the community remains on edge following this brazen display of violence in a public setting.