Australia police shooting latest: Gunman identified as ‘sovereign citizen’ while massive manhunt continues

A neighbour described the property where the officers were killed as isolated and gated “like a bloody prison”, with many people coming and going.

The man, who didn’t want to be named, said he didn’t know the shooter or most of those living there, but locals often called the owner “a complete nut case”, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.

“I didn’t know the bloke who did the shooting, I didn’t know his name,” he said.

“But there’s a lot of people living up there, it’s like a little community. You see a lot of cars driving in and out.

“They’ve got a huge gate there. You couldn’t get in, it’s like a bloody prison gate and I think it’s got a keypad on it to get in.”

“I just can’t understand why the bloke who owns it would let people like that live on his property,” he was quoted as saying by the outlet.

“I only met the bloke who owns the place once, which was when he bought the place and introduced himself. I never see him much. I don’t know who all those people were, but there’s a lot of people going in and out of the place.

Police have cordoned off the area, leaving nearby residents unable to return home until the suspect is caught.

Victoria premier Jacinta Allan said that police will continue working through the night to locate the suspected gunman.

“Clearly every resource is being deployed to apprehend this offender,” she said.

“This offender will be found. He will be dealt with.”

The shooter, identified to be 56-year-old “sovereign citizen” Dezi Freeman, is still at large.

Prime minister Anthony Albanese said the threat of “sovereign citizens” and extremist ideologies must be taken seriously following the killing of two Victorian police officers by a member of the fringe movement.

“We saw a tragic loss of life in Queensland as well previously, and I attended the funeral service – which was so sad – of the officers there,” Albanese said on ABC 7.30.

“We know that the Director General of ASIO has warned about far-right extremism. This is something that has permeated other nations as well. We see it being multiplied in the United States.

“The fact that this ideology of not seeing themselves being subject to our laws and our society. We’ve seen people here, in Canberra as well, put forward those positions, who have demonstrated outside the Parliament.

“And it is of real concern, and ASIO have warned that this threat is very real, and that we need to be very vigilant about it.”

Victoria premier Jacinta Allan expressed deep sorrow over the killing of two police officers in Porepunkah, calling it a “painful reminder” of the dangers and bravery inherent in policing.

“Policing comes with danger and every day our police officers meet that danger with enormous courage and dedication. And this tragedy is a painful reminder of that bravery,” she told the press.

She said another officer remains seriously injured and pledged support for their families.

Ms Allan declined to comment on reports linking the alleged offender to the “sovereign citizen” movement, saying it was too early to speculate while the suspect remained at large.

“I think you can appreciate I’m not going to be drawn on some observations and reflections on that matter. It is far too early, particularly when there is an offender at large, and my focus right now is both providing every support to Victoria Police,” she said.

Victoria police commissioner Mike Bush has told the press that the police “are still looking to locate [the gunman’s] partner and two children, but he was not seen to head into the bush with them”.

Police have urged the public to stay indoors as the suspect is considered “very dangerous”

Police say the suspect was alone during the shooting but they are still trying to locate his partner and two children.

A large area has been cordoned off in Porepunkah, and authorities are urging the public to stay indoors as the suspect is considered “very dangerous”.

Victoria police commissioner Mike Bush told the press that the police “are still looking to locate his partner and two children, but he was not seen to head into the bush with them”.

Victoria’s police minister Anthony Carbines said that the police operation in Porepunkah was continuing in the “cold and the wet” conditions.

“We ask all Victorians to continue to follow police advice,” he said.

“If you see something, if you’re unsure, contact the local police station.”

He also paid tribute to the two officers who died earlier in the day in an “active” shooting incident.

“Today, two fallen officers have joined the ranks of so many that have made the ultimate sacrifice in serving our community here in Victoria,” he said.

“We also note police members past and present are feeling this very deeply. All Victorians are grateful for the medical support being provided to a third officer who was injured today.”

Police have identified 56-year-old Dezi Freeman as the alleged gunman behind the Porepunkah shooting.

Freeman, known for promoting conspiracy theories and hostility toward law enforcement, describes himself as a “sovereign citizen”.

He is believed to be on the run with his wife, Mali, and at least one other family member.

Freeman first drew public attention in 2021 when he tried to launch a private prosecution against then-premier Daniel Andrews, accusing him of treason and fraud.

He was arrested outside the Myrtleford Court before that hearing and verbally attacked police officers, calling them “scumbags” and “criminal filth” who were “obsessed with power.”

A year earlier, during a traffic stop, he labelled an officer a “terrorist” and “corrupt scum”.

Police say the suspect was alone during the shooting but they are still trying to locate his partner and two children.

A large area has been cordoned off in Porepunkah, and authorities are urging the public to stay indoors as the suspect is considered “very dangerous”.

Victoria police commissioner Mike Bush told the press that the police “are still looking to locate his partner and two children, but he was not seen to head into the bush with them”.