7 Jun 2019

New Zealander killed in Darwin shooting rampage

6:21 am on 7 June 2019

A man killed in the Darwin shootings this week was a New Zealand national, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed.

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Photo: 123RF

Four men were shot dead and a woman injured after the gunman went on a rampage across Darwin's CBD earlier this week, before being arrested by Northern Territory police.

New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed one of the victims was a New Zealander.

The ministry said it was in contact with local authorities but for privacy reasons would not be providing any further information.

The New Zealander - Robert Courtney, 52 - was working as a Mindil Beach Casino Resort security guard. A spokesman for the casino said Mr Courtney was a valued member of their security team.

"We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends at this difficult time," the spokesperson said. "We will be offering counselling and support services to any of our staff that need assistance.

"We have also offered our assistance to Police with their investigations, should it be required."

Two other victims have now been identified: Michael Sisois, 57, a member of the Greek community; and IT graduate and taxi driver Hassan Baydoun, 33.

The man arrested over the shootings is understood to be NT-bred Benjamin Glenn Hoffmann, who has been under police guard at Royal Darwin Hospital since his dramatic arrest by heavily armed tactical police officers on Tuesday night.

He has been charged with four counts of murder.

Police said he had been charged with additional counts relating to the alleged shooting spree, and further charges were expected to be laid at a later date.

Mr Hoffmann was remanded in custody to appear via video link in Darwin Local Court at 10am on Friday.

About 100 police officers, including nine forensics experts flown up from New South Wales, have been investigating and gathering evidence from the attacks which started at the Palms Motel in Darwin's CBD, and also occurred at The Gardens, Stuart Park and Woolner.

Following his arrest, it was revealed Mr Hoffmann had been out on parole since January after serving a six-year stint in Holtze prison.

He had also been wearing an electronic monitoring anklet.

Following the attacks, Chief Minister Michael Gunner launched an immediate review into the Territory's electronic monitoring and parole systems, as well as into the Parole Review Board, who granted Mr Hoffmann freedom this year.

- ABC