Teen Critical After Queensland Boxing Night Shooting; Official Denies Gang Link

A 19-year-old woman, identified as Vana-Reese Schuster-Togiatau of Jimboomba, remains in critical condition after sustaining gunshot wounds to her head and neck during a mass shooting outside Fitzy's Loganholme on Saturday night. She is being treated at Princess Alexandra Hospital.

Four individuals were wounded during the incident, which occurred during the Logan City Titles boxing event attended by more than 100 spectators, including families. Phil Austin, from the Australian National Boxing Federation Queensland, was present at the venue and stated that the wider community is questioning how such an event could occur at a popular local establishment frequented by families. He was in the foyer when the shots were fired, and flying glass struck his arm.

Police have deployed Taskforce Maxima, a specialist squad focusing on outlaw motorcycle gangs and organized crime, to assist Logan CIB and State Crime Command in the investigation. However, Austin firmly dismissed any suggestions linking the shooting to bikie or organized crime activities targeting the boxing event. He told the Daily Mail that such speculation is unfounded and that he has not seen figures associated with organized crime at boxing events in Australia for years, attributing their absence to changes in government laws.

Austin stated he did not recognize any of the victims and could not confirm if they were attending the boxing match, noting that other events also take place at the pub. He asserted that no fighters or trainers appeared to be involved and emphasized that the boxing event was not the target. "We just happened to be there," he said, comparing the situation to any other event that might have been held that night. "It could have been the flower arranging show. It's just the fact that we were there."

He described hearing five or six shots fired in rapid succession within seconds during an intermission. Police reported that a Mitsubishi approached the venue's passenger drop-off area, and shots were fired from the front passenger window. Two men wearing balaclavas and gloves were observed inside the vehicle.

Austin moved to alert his crew in the boxing hall, located at the rear of the venue, away from the shooting. He observed patrons leaving through the back while hotel staff and security managed the crowd. Chief Superintendent Mel Adams commented that witnesses would likely experience trauma, emphasizing that the victims were a random group of people at the front of the hotel.

The three other victims, men aged 27, 37, and 38, sustained gunshot wounds to their abdomens, with the 38-year-old also being shot in the arm. While all three remain in serious condition, their injuries are improving, according to police. Investigators have not yet confirmed if these men knew each other.

Police believe the attack was premeditated but have deemed it premature to speculate on gang or organized crime involvement. The Mitsubishi used in the shooting was later found burnt out in Waterford West, and CCTV footage indicated its occupants were picked up by another vehicle. Investigators are also examining a second burnt-out ute found later that night for any potential connection.

Chief Superintendent Adams appealed to the public for information, stating that individuals may know or suspect who is responsible. Austin expressed his personal connection to the incident, having a son the same age as the critically injured teenager, and offered the federation's support to the victims and their families. "This is an awful, awful time for everyone," he said. "Let's just hope this girl recovers. It's just awful."