A man was arrested at Sydney Airport's domestic terminal on Tuesday after a police firearm was discharged during a struggle with officers. The incident occurred around 6am near gate 49 of the T2 terminal, prompting a partial lockdown.
Australian Federal Police confirmed that an investigation has been launched, but stressed there is no ongoing threat to the public and the airport is not in lockdown. A spokesperson said the airport is operating normally and no injuries were reported.
According to witnesses, three police officers were restraining a man near a cafe when the suspect allegedly tried to snatch an officer's gun. A former New South Wales police officer at the scene told 2GB radio: "The AFP officer's long firearm has gone to the ground and was underneath the fellow as we went to restrain him. The shot has been discharged."
Another eyewitness told ABC News he saw people running as the gun went off, adding: "When they hit the ground the gun went off. It looked like [the bullet] hit the wall of that cafe there."
The accused has been arrested but charges have not yet been pressed, according to 1News. Police said further comment will be provided at an appropriate time.
