Altona North rocked by second shooting in a week

Altona North has once again become a focal point of violence following a drive-by shooting that left a man with non-life-threatening injuries. The incident occurred on Friday evening, August 21, 2026, around 7:15 p.m., at Borrack Square in Melbourne's western suburbs. Victoria Police confirmed they are investigating the shooting, though no arrests have been made. Witnesses reported that the perpetrator or perpetrators fled the scene in a vehicle, leaving authorities with few leads. This marks the third such incident at Borrack Square this year, underscoring a pattern of escalating violence in the area. The shooting follows a high-profile ambush last week that targeted gangland figure Fadi Haddara. On Sunday, August 17, 2026, Haddara was found by a family member lying in a pool of blood near his residence on Marigold Avenue, close to Millers Road. According to police, the attack was clearly targeted, with Haddara sustaining wounds to his face, stomach, and chest. While investigators remain cautious about linking the shooting to Melbourne's ongoing illicit tobacco war, they are monitoring the situation closely for signs of retaliation. This comes amid heightened tensions in the region, where organized crime groups have been vying for control over illegal drug and tobacco markets. Earlier this year, the area saw similar incidents. In May, shots were fired into a tobacco store at Borrack Square shortly after 5:30 p.m. A 49-year-old man was wounded in the arm and hospitalized, with police suspecting the attack was connected to the city's illicit tobacco trade. In March, a brazen late-night shooting occurred at the same location, with CCTV footage capturing a group of men fleeing gunfire. Some sought refuge inside a nearby café, while others took cover outside. When officers arrived, they discovered a 49-year-old man who had been shot twice in the arm, though he suffered only minor injuries. These repeated incidents suggest a growing sense of lawlessness in Altona North, where criminal activity appears to be intensifying. The recent shootings have sparked concern among local residents and community leaders, many of whom fear that the area could become a hotbed of gang-related violence. Local businesses have also expressed unease, with some reporting increased security measures and a noticeable drop in foot traffic. Community meetings have begun to discuss ways to support victims and advocate for stronger policing in the neighborhood. Victoria Police have not ruled out the possibility that the latest shooting is part of a larger conflict involving rival gangs engaged in the illicit tobacco trade. However, officials have emphasized that they are maintaining an open mind regarding the exact motivations behind each attack. Investigators are currently reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses to determine whether there is a direct link between the current incident and previous ones. Despite the lack of arrests, police have reiterated their commitment to cracking down on organized crime in the area. As the investigation continues, the community remains on edge. Residents have called for greater transparency from authorities and more visible police presence to deter further violence. Meanwhile, legal experts warn that the ongoing cycle of retaliation could lead to more severe consequences, including fatalities. With multiple shootings occurring within a short span, the situation in Altona North is evolving rapidly, and the coming days will likely reveal whether the trend of violence will continue or if efforts to restore order can succeed.