NT Police speak on Darwin shootings

Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw fronted the media to detail what happened with the Darwin shootings saying there were 100 police officers working across at least five crime scenes.

A man is taken away in a police van. Picture: KERI MEGELUS

NT Police have spoken to the media on the CBD shooting.

At least four people are dead and more are injured after a man went on a shooting rampage through the inner suburbs of Darwin.

Duty Supt Lee Morgan said one man had been arrested.

DARWIN SHOOTINGS

FOUR people dead in Darwin shootings

PRIME Minister: Shootings ‘not terror related’

Police said there was no reason to believe any other shooters had been involved.

In a press conference at the Commissioner’s conference room at the NT Police city headquarters, Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw said police first received an emergency call at about 5.45pm.

“We dispatched a number of our units and were able to track down an individual,” he said.

“It was very good work by our Territory Response Group and duty officers.

“A number of crime scenes have been declared and the Major Crime Unit are leading that investigation.”

Today, the fourth of June 2019, has been a devastating day in the NT

About 100 police are working across at least five crime scenes, including the Buff Club in Stuart Park, Gardens Hill Cres, the Palms Hotel, Finniss St, Coles Express, and Jolly St.

Mr Kershaw said the man, who is currently in police custody at the Royal Darwin Hospital, also tried to enter the Peter McAulay Centre, the major police headquarters of Darwin.

“He is a man who is well known to police,” he said.

“He was on parole. I did speak to the Corrections Commissioner ... around January this year he was released on parole.”

Mr Kershaw would not say what the man had previously been in prison for.

The suspected shooter called the NT Police Duty Superintendent, who worked with the Tactical Response Group to apprehend him within an hour from the first emergency call.

“We believe he may have been trying to hand himself in,” Mr Kershaw said.

“He asked to be placed into protective custody, which we did.”

Mr Kershaw said he was not aware whether the man arrested was part of a bikie gang but said he “may have associated with those entities”.

Mr Kershaw would not say whether the man was using drugs or alcohol during the evening, but did say he would be undergoing a number of tests while in hospital.

He thanked the community and emergency services for their support during the incident.

“I twas a first class response and I do thank the community for making the calls,” he said.

“Within the hour we were able to apprehend the individual.”

It is understood no police were injured during the shootings.

Territorians can be proud of those who serve us on our front line

Chief Minister Michael Gunner joined Mr Kershaw at the press conference.

“Today, the fourth of June 2019, has been a devastating day in the NT,” he said.

“Five crime scenes, four people deceased, one injured.

“This is not the Darwin we know.

“As Chief Minister, on behalf of Territorians, our thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims and everyone else who has been impacted.

“This is an active police investigation.

“There are a number of details still to be confirmed.

“There are some things we can say tonight.

“An alleged offender has been arrested and taken into custody.”

This is not the Darwin we know

Mr Gunner said while it was understandable for people to think of terrorism in circumstances like these, it was not believed to be the case.

“I can confirm we do not believe this is terrorism,” he said.

“The Police Commissioner and I have briefed the Prime Minister and federal Opposition Leader.

“The Police Minister and I have remained available and briefed by police during this event.

“This may be an event you prepare for but this is never an event you want to respond to. I thank our police and first responders.

“This has been an incredibly difficult night.

“Territorians can be proud of those who serve us on our front line.”

Originally published as NT Police speak on Darwin shootings