Man killed in ‘execution style’ shooting outside MMA gym in Australia
Taha Sabbagh, 40, was drinking coffee in the driver’s seat of his Mercedes when he was shot in an “execution style” targeted attack at Elite Fight Force martial arts gym on Carlingford Street in Sefton, Sydney, Australia at approximately 6.30 am local time on Wednesday.
Sabbagh is being remembered online as a “loving son, brother, father [and] husband.”
Sabbagh was reportedly shot while in his car dropping his son off to a personal training session, according to the Daily Telegraph.
NSW Police Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty said the shooting was believed to be a ‘targeted attack’ but whether he was ‘the intended target’ would be investigated.
“The people that perpetrated this murder, they have no or little regard for human life, knowing there’s a 12-year-old boy in the car and still carrying out an execution in front of him,” Doherty said.
Sabbagh died at the scene and an investigation into the incident is underway. His 12-year-old son was uninjured.
A witness heard at least six shots fired and the sound of a car screeching away. The car was later found burnt out at nearby Birrong Train Station.
In a statement posted to Instagram, Elite Fight Force said it would be closed for the day.
“We are very sorry for any inconvenience, Elite Fight Force will be closed today, and all classes will be cancelled for the day,” the gym posted to its Instagram stories.
“Please bear with us and stay updated with our stories for any new announcements.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
