A former member of the Mongols motorcycle gang has survived a shooting incident in suburban Melbourne, just two years after an assassination attempt outside a cemetery. Suleiman “Sam” Abdulrahim, a professional boxer known as “The Punisher,” was targeted with gunfire as he left his home in Thomastown early on Friday morning.
Victoria Police confirmed that multiple shots were fired at a 32-year-old man as he departed a property on Larch Street. Fortunately, Abdulrahim was not injured in the attack, and no arrests have been made so far. Various media outlets have identified the victim as Abdulrahim.
This marks the second shooting attempt on Abdulrahim. In June 2022, he was ambushed while leaving a funeral in Fawkner. Despite suffering four gunshot wounds to his chest, he managed to drive to a nearby police station for assistance. Two suspects in that case fled the country within 48 hours of the attack.
In addition to his tumultuous past, Abdulrahim was scheduled to fight at the Furlan Club in Thornbury, Melbourne, in February, but the venue was set on fire prior to the event. His legal troubles include being sentenced to over three years in prison in 2018 for causing the death of a grandmother in a car crash. Although he was released on parole in 2019, his parole was revoked six months later due to concerns for his safety. However, this decision was overturned by the Victorian Supreme Court, which found that Abdulrahim had not committed any violations warranting the revocation of his parole.
Abdulrahim’s life has been marked by a series of violent and legal challenges. Despite these incidents, he has remained in the public eye, particularly due to his boxing career and past association with the Mongols motorcycle gang.
In the aftermath of the latest shooting, police are continuing their investigation, seeking any information that might lead to the identification and arrest of the perpetrators. The community remains on edge as this attack adds to the growing list of violent incidents linked to gang activity in Melbourne.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward, as they work to piece together the events leading up to the incident and identify those responsible. Meanwhile, Abdulrahim has not made a public statement about the latest attempt on his life.
The resilience Abdulrahim has shown in the face of multiple assassination attempts is remarkable, yet it underscores the dangerous and volatile nature of his circumstances. His ability to survive such targeted violence speaks to both his physical fortitude and the ongoing risks he faces.
As the investigation progresses, it remains to be seen how this latest incident will impact Abdulrahim’s life and whether it will prompt further actions from law enforcement or lead to increased security measures around him. The public and authorities alike are watching closely, concerned about the potential for further violence and hoping for a resolution that brings those responsible to justice.
