Forest Lodge pub shooting linked to organised crime
A chilling scene unfolded in Sydney’s inner west on Sunday night, when gunfire erupted outside a busy pub in Forest Lodge. What began as a normal evening at The Harold Hotel, where locals had gathered to watch the UFC, ended in tragedy. Two men were ambushed as they left the venue, and what followed was described by police as a brazen and callous attack.
Shots rang out just after 6:30pm on Ross Street. Witnesses recalled hearing a rapid burst of gunfire — some thought it was fireworks at first, but the sound quickly became unmistakable. A 39-year-old man, later identified as Gilbert Shino, was struck multiple times and died at the scene despite desperate efforts from paramedics and even a nearby doctor who rushed to help. His companion, 31-year-old Maradona Yalda, was seriously wounded, taking bullets to the chest, neck, and abdomen before collapsing on the street. He was rushed to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, where he underwent surgery and remains in a critical condition.
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This was no random attack. Detectives revealed that Yalda had previously been warned by police that his life was at risk. He is known to authorities for his long-standing ties to organised crime groups, including the Assyrian-linked DLASTHR gang. Shino, while also connected socially to those circles, was not considered a major player. Police believe the pair were specifically targeted, though investigators have not ruled out the involvement of multiple shooters or a waiting getaway car.
The shooting was dangerously close to the crowded hotel. A female staff member collecting glasses outside reported that a bullet whizzed past her head before smashing through a window. Locals described seeing terrified patrons ducking for cover, and one resident said she watched Yalda stumble and collapse after being chased back toward the pub. The chaos left the normally quiet neighbourhood in shock.
Authorities locked down surrounding streets overnight, with sections of Wigram Road and Ross Street cordoned off into Monday morning. Bus services were diverted, traffic was gridlocked, and crime scene markers traced where bullet casings scattered across the footpath. Witnesses reported seeing suspects fleeing in dark clothing before a vehicle sped away. Police are now calling on anyone with dash cam footage from the area to come forward.
NSW Premier Chris Minns labelled the act “deplorable” and “disgusting,” promising a comprehensive police response but acknowledging that violent gangland rivalries will not vanish overnight. Superintendent Alf Sergi praised the fast action of paramedics, medical students, and bystanders who tried to save the victims, saying their efforts made a critical difference.
For Forest Lodge residents, the sense of safety has been shattered. What was once a quiet Sunday evening turned into a deadly ambush tied to Sydney’s ongoing underworld tensions. Police investigations are continuing, with detectives focusing on CCTV footage and organised crime links as they piece together who orchestrated this ruthless attack.
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