Wade Frankum's Shooting Spree in Strathfield
August 17th, 1991
August 17th, 1991
How Long Ago?
33 years, 6 months, 26 days ago
Location
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Category
Crime & Law
People
- Wade Frankum
Links & References
Tags
Wade Frankum's Shooting Spree in Strathfield
In Sydney, New South Wales, Wade Frankum, a taxi driver, carried out a shooting spree in the Strathfield area, resulting in the deaths of seven people and injuring six others. The incident took place during the peak hours of the day as Frankum roamed the streets, indiscriminately targeting individuals and causing widespread panic. Witnesses described the chaotic scene as many fled for safety, while the authorities attempted to apprehend the shooter. The violent act ended with Frankum taking his own life subsequent to the attacks.
Wade Frankum shot seven people and injured six.
The attack occurred in the busy Strathfield area.
Frankum ended the spree by taking his own life.
The incident led to stricter gun control measures.
What Happened?
Wade Frankum, a taxi driver in Sydney, launched a deadly assault in the Strathfield area, causing mass casualties among unsuspecting individuals. The rampage unfolded on a busy day, with Frankum driving his taxi to various locations, where he would stop to shoot at random people. During his murderous spree, he was reported to have a semi-automatic rifle, which fueled the brutality of the incident. Eyewitnesses described scenes of sheer terror as people ran for cover, while others tried to help the wounded.
As the police arrived to respond to the shooting, the chaos escalated. Frankum continued to fire indiscriminately, leading to a substantial number of victims. The violence persisted for a considerable length of time before it culminated in Frankum turning the gun on himself. Emergency services were deployed swiftly to address the crisis and assist those who were injured.
In the aftermath, families mourned the loss of their loved ones, and the Strathfield community grappled with the horror of the incident. This shocking act of violence not only underscored the vulnerability of public spaces but also raised questions regarding gun control and mental health issues in Australia.
Why Does it Matter?
The Strathfield massacre significantly impacted Australia's gun control policies. Following this event, the Australian government initiated a nationwide gun buyback program, which aimed to reduce the number of firearms in civilian possession. It also ignited a larger conversation on firearm-related violence and mental health services, highlighting the need for legislative reform in those areas. The tragedies stemming from the incident prompted ongoing discussions about the safety and regulation of public spaces.
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