Sydney's warring underworld has plunged to a new low after a brazen shooting at a pre-funeral service for a murdered crime boss, with the attack recorded and shared on social media. Police responded to the Diamond Venues Group event space at the corner of Punchbowl and Canterbury Road in Punchbowl around 2:20 PM on Saturday following reports of multiple gunshots. The shots were fired from an unknown SUV, which then fled the scene. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Car Fire Linked to Shooting
Shortly after the shooting, police were called to Gillian Place in Punchbowl for a reported car fire. Fire and Rescue NSW extinguished the blaze, but the vehicle sustained significant damage. Crime scenes were established at both locations, and initial inquiries suggest the incidents are connected.
Social Media Footage of Attack
Footage shared online shows a rifle-type firearm being aimed from a car window, with more than 30 shots fired over 10 seconds. The clip appears to have been filmed from inside the offender's vehicle by another occupant before being uploaded. Windows at the event space were shattered by gunfire.
The shooting is believed to be linked to the public assassination of suspected Sydney underworld figure Lorenzo Lamalu, 24, who was gunned down at a restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, in late May. CCTV footage captures a gunman opening fire on Lamalu and another man on a footpath, then chasing Lamalu into the restaurant. An associate, Sam Sauni, 27, was critically injured.
Underworld Conflict Escalates
Lamalu is thought to be the mastermind behind the "Coconut Cartel," a Sydney criminal organization that declared war on the rival Alameddine gang earlier this year. His body was returned to Sydney on Saturday afternoon and taken to the Diamond Venues Group event space, where his family was paying respects during a pre-funeral memorial.
Police were seen collecting evidence, including bullet casings, outside the building. Lamalu's funeral is scheduled for Lakemba Mosque on Sunday, with burial in Leppington. However, police are concerned about safety and are considering postponing the event.
Local Residents Shocked
Locals expressed shock at the daylight shooting. One resident told 7NEWS, "I was on the phone to my mate and pretty much told him, I think I just heard gunshots." Another said, "Obviously scary. I immediately was like to my mum, I think we should move houses."
