Drive-by shooting injures four at Brisbane boxing event

A violent drive-by shooting has cast a shadow over a popular community event in south-east Queensland, leaving four people injured outside a licensed venue in Loganholme. The incident, which occurred during a scheduled boxing night, has raised immediate questions about security and public safety at high-profile local gatherings.

Queensland police confirmed that officers were dispatched to Fitzys Loganholme on Bryants Road at 8:15 pm following reports of gunfire. Witnesses indicated that the shots were fired from a moving vehicle. Upon arrival, emergency services attended to the scene, and the four individuals who were struck were transported to the hospital for treatment. Medical teams are currently assessing the severity of their injuries.

Police investigators noted that the vehicle responsible for the shooting was observed fleeing the area immediately after the incident. A search for the suspects is ongoing, with officers working to identify the individuals involved. While the offenders remain at large, authorities have stated that they do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the general public at this time.

Deputy Commander Chris Stream of the Queensland Police Service described the scene as confronting. He told the Today show that multiple people had sustained gunshot wounds, highlighting the sudden and unexpected nature of the violence. The venue was hosting the Logan City Titles Fight Night, an event that had been planned for the evening and was expected to draw a significant local crowd.

The impact of the shooting has rippled through the local community. Logan mayor Jon Raven stated that residents are feeling frightened and that the event has sent a shockwave through the Logan region. Raven noted that this type of incident is unusual for the area, saying, "We've never seen something like this in Logan before." His comments underscore the surprise felt by many who consider the suburb to be relatively quiet.

Raven expressed his sympathies for the victims, the staff members, and everyone who had gathered for the evening. He recalled attending similar events in the past and described them as family-friendly environments where many children were present. The mayor emphasized the long-term emotional toll such events can take, stating that the experience will impact the attendees for the rest of their lives.

The event was specifically organized to help steer young people away from violence by engaging them in the sport of boxing. Raven explained that the organizer is passionate about using the sport to empower and reconnect youth who might be struggling. He described the outcome of the shooting as the opposite of what the organizer intended, noting that the organizer would be devastated by the turn of events.

In a statement posted on social media on Sunday morning, the Logan City Titles organization expressed its heartbreak over the incident. The group described the fight night as a community showcase for local talent and hard work. They emphasized that such incidents have no place in the boxing community or the broader society, reinforcing the idea that the event was meant to be a positive gathering for locals.

Police have urged anyone with information about the shooting to come forward and contact them. As the investigation continues, authorities are reviewing available evidence to trace the vehicle and identify the suspects. The focus remains on gathering details from witnesses and analyzing the scene to determine the circumstances that led to the gunfire.

The incident has prompted a renewed discussion about security measures at public venues hosting large events. While police do not expect further immediate danger, they are maintaining a visible presence in the area. The four injured individuals are receiving care, and their families have been notified. The community awaits further updates as investigators work to bring the suspects to justice.