The Greek Australian community has been left shocked and deeply concerned following the arrest of 60-year-old Artemios Mintzas, who has been charged with 25 offences, including 18 counts of shooting with intent to murder, after a two-hour shooting spree in Croydon Park, Sydney’s inner west, on Sunday night.
Police allege Mintzas fired about 50 rounds from a .30-calibre high-powered rifle, aiming at pedestrians, cars, and buildings from the first-floor apartment above a business on Georges River Road.
Sixteen people suffered minor injuries, mainly from shattered glass, while a man in his 50s sustained a gunshot wound to the neck and underwent emergency surgery. Authorities said his condition is stable and non-life-threatening.
The incident triggered a large-scale police response. Tactical officers surrounded the area and eventually arrested Mintzas after a lengthy standoff. He was injured during the arrest and taken to hospital under police guard.
On Monday, Mintzas was charged at Burwood Police Station with multiple offences, including 18 counts of shooting with intent to murder and firearms violations. He was refused bail and appeared before Burwood Local Court on Tuesday.
Acting Superintendent Stephen Parry confirmed that police seized one rifle from the scene and praised the swift tactical response, saying, “It’s incredible that nobody has died. In my 35 years in the force, there have been very few incidents like this.”
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with one local business owner initially mistaking the gunfire for fireworks before realizing the severity of the situation.
NSW Premier Chris Minns commended the bravery of police and emergency services, who responded immediately “to protect the community without hesitation.”
The Greek Australian community has expressed shock and sadness, calling the incident deeply troubling and unrepresentative of Greek values and heritage in Australia.
