A NSW man has been charged with three firearm offences after a shooting inside Canberra airport.
Ali Rachid Ammoun did not apply for bail when appearing via video link in ACT Magistrates Court on Monday.
The 63-year-old will remain in custody until the case returns to court on September 5.
Ammoun’s legal aid solicitor Tamzin Lee moved to prohibit the ABC from reporting on the case but the application was opposed by the prosecution and the judge.
“I am satisfied this is an open court and the ABC has a right to report on such matters … unless there is a good reason to suppress the proceedings,” magistrate Robert Cook told the court.
Ammoun has been charged with discharging a firearm at a building, unlawful possession of a firearm and discharging a firearm near a person causing alarm.
He is yet to enter a plea.
Police allege Ammoun fired a number of shots from a handgun into windows about 1.25pm on Sunday before being apprehended by federal police stationed at the airport.
No one was injured during the incident but the airport was evacuated and remained closed for about three hours.
Canberra Airport CEO Stephen Byron says there’s no plans to introduce further security checkpoints at the airport after three of the airport’s glass windows were shot.
“How far back (would) you push the barrier?” Mr Byron said.
“Apparently the gentleman came from Sydney. We don’t screen everyone that comes into Canberra at the borders, we don’t screen everyone before they get to the airport a kilometre away.
“What happens in Canberra airport is what happens at all airports around the world. There is a public area, people can come in and out of it, and that’s how it should be.”
Further security for parliamentarians coming into Canberra “is not for me to talk about,” Mr Byron added.
Airport staff are also being offered support in light of the incident.
“That sort of trauma doesn’t always materialise in the immediate aftermath, so this will be an ongoing monitoring situation to provide support,” Mr Byron said.
ACT Policing urges any witnesses who haven’t already spoken to police, to call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 and quote reference 7187298.
Get the latest news, sport, entertainment, lifestyle, competitions and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Canberra Daily Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
