Man charged after water pistol triggers panic outside NSW Parliament

May Be Interested In:How VCE high-achievers reached the top of the class


A ride-share driver has been charged and a water pistol seized after reports of a man shooting a replica firearm near NSW Parliament led to a major police response.

Shortly after 1pm on Thursday, the man was allegedly seen shooting the gun into the ground on Hospital Road, behind parliament.

The water pistol seized by police after the incident behind NSW Parliament.Credit: NSW Police

Officers swarmed the area and a manhunt was launched to find the alleged offender, who had driven off before police arrived. Hours later the search came to an end when ride-share driver, Waqar Hassan Virk, 28, was arrested in Mascot carrying a water pistol.

He was taken to Mascot police station and charged with one count of possessing an unauthorised firearm. NSW Police said the water pistol had been seized and would be “subject to further examination”.

Virk was refused bail to appear in Downing Centre Local Court on Friday.

Parliament staff had called police after seeing a person acting suspiciously. The incident occurred while state parliament was sitting.

Police responded to the scene on Hospital Road.

Police responded to the scene on Hospital Road.Credit: Alexandra Smith

“We can confirm there was and is no threat to anyone at parliament. There have been no reported injuries,” the Department of Parliamentary Services security branch said in a statement earlier on Thursday afternoon.

Get alerts on breaking news as happens. Sign up for our Breaking News Alert.

share Share facebook pinterest whatsapp x print

Similar Content

Superquiz, Sunday, November 10
Superquiz, Thursday, December 12
Exploring the world of Avowed with Developer Ryan Warden
Exploring the world of Avowed with Developer Ryan Warden
PM pledges $1.5m to save WA Sculpture by the Sea
PM pledges $1.5m to save WA Sculpture by the Sea
Woolies CEO won’t budge on pay demands amid strikes
Woolies CEO won’t budge on pay demands amid strikes
Nowland family ‘struggling to understand’ why Taser cop isn’t behind bars
Nowland family ‘struggling to understand’ why Taser cop isn’t behind bars
Best of cartoons, November 13, 2024
Best of cartoons, November 13, 2024
Your World, Your News: Stay Informed | © 2024 | Daily News