Overview
- Social media video reviewed by Australian outlets shows a plainclothes NSW officer taking cover behind a tree and firing toward the footbridge used by the gunmen.
- Police have not identified the officer, and a critical incident investigation with ballistics testing will determine which weapon fired the fatal round.
- Media reports citing The Daily Telegraph describe a veteran detective making a long‑distance “once in a lifetime” shot, but those specifics remain unverified.
- Authorities say Sajid Akram was killed during the response and his son Naveed was shot and remains in critical condition; at least 15 people were killed and about 40 wounded.
- Leaders praised police and civilian bravery as scrutiny of gun licensing grows, with reports that Sajid held a firearms licence since 2015 and legally owned six guns.