Local residents expressed fear and disbelief following the incident, describing the shooting as “something out of a movie.” Many said they had seen Mokhtarian walking in the area regularly and were shocked to learn of his violent death. “He was always polite, always seemed focused on his fitness and his students,” one neighbor told reporters. “No one could have imagined something like this happening right here.” The brazen nature of the attack has reignited concerns over public safety in Sydney’s western suburbs, where several gang-related shootings have occurred in recent months.
