NSW police admit to making ‘very unfortunate’ wrong claim after officer shot man dead

An inquest is investigating the fatal shooting of 41-year-old Steve Pampalian by a NSW police officer on May 25, 2023, in North Willoughby, Sydney. Pampalian was shot after reportedly running at the officer with two knives during a psychotic episode. The inquest revealed that a statement made by the assistant police commissioner immediately following the incident, claiming Pampalian was "known to police," was incorrect. The coroner acknowledged this claim as "very unfortunate," clarifying that Pampalian had no prior record with law enforcement. The inquest aims to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the accuracy of initial police statements.