Victorian Police stand at the scene of a shooting in Porepunkah, Victoria, Australia, 26 August 2025 (via REUTERS)Your support helps us to tell the story
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Two police officers have been killed and another injured while serving a warrant at an address in rural Australia, according to multiple local media reports.
Alpine Shire Council Mayor Sarah Nicholas confirmed on social media that two police officers have died. Australia’s prime minister Anthony Albanese and Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan have both praised the police officers involved for their bravery.
The gunman is still at large and is believed to be accompanied by several family members, including children, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.
The “active incident” continues to unfold in Porepunkah, Victoria, where a local primary school was placed in lockdown.
The Age, a major newspaper based in Melbourne, Victoria, reported that the police were at the address to serve a warrant for historical sex offences.
The Australian Federal Police Association – a union for federal officers – issued a statement offering “its deepest thoughts to the officers, families, and colleagues of Victoria Police affected by today’s incident”.
A large number of armed police as well as police helicopters, have reportedly descended on the scene in Alpine Shire, where council services have also been suspended.
Police leaders pay tribute to two officers
Police leaders have paid tribute to the two officers killed in the Porepunkah shooting on Tuesday.
Secretary of The Police Association Victoria Wayne Gatt said there was “a shocking and eerie feeling of dread” across the force, with hundreds of officers risking their safety to find the gunman.
He added that the emotional toll would hit officers later.
Chief Commissioner Mike Bush offered condolences to the families of two officers.
“We thank those courageous officers, in fact we thank every police officer who comes to work every day to keep their community safe,” he said.
“We will do everything to look after the families of those officers.”
Mr Bush also confirmed the victims were a 59-year-old detective and a 35-year-old senior constable.
“The suspect for this horrific event is still at large. We believe he is armed,” Mr Bush said.
“Our priority is to arrest him, to ensure he is held to account for his actions.”
Maroosha Muzaffar26 August 2025 09:40
Police remain at the Porepunkah property
Victoria Police have confirmed that police remain at the Porepunkah property following the fatal shooting of two officers around 10.30am local time.
They said that two officers were shot and killed in Porepunkah this morning, and a third officer was seriously injured with a wound to the lower body.
The injured officer is currently undergoing surgery.
“Ten police attended the property on Rayner Track shortly after 10.30am this morning,” a spokesperson said.
“At this time no other officers have been physically injured, however they remain at the property. It’s believed the offender has since left the property and at this time his whereabouts are unknown. A significant search is actively underway to locate the man.”
Authorities continue to urge residents to stay indoors.
Maroosha Muzaffar26 August 2025 09:20
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.
Police wait near the scene of a shooting in the high country of Porepunkah in the state of Victoria, Australia, Tuesday, 26 August 2025 (AP)
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”.
Maroosha Muzaffar26 August 2025 08:55
Who is the alleged gunman in Porepunkah shooting?
The alleged gunman in the Porepunkah shooting was reportedly living on a bus at the property where the shooting occured at about 10.30 in the morning.
He is believed to be a “sovereign citizen”, a member of a radical group that follows conspiracy theories and sees the government as illegitimate.
Members of this fringe movement are known for their deep distrust and contempt for law enforcement.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that to reflect his beliefs, the alleged gunman had changed his name.
Police were at the property to execute a warrant for historical sex offences against him when the shooting occurred.
Maroosha Muzaffar26 August 2025 08:45
‘Tough day’ for police, Victoria opposition minister says
Victorian opposition police minister David Southwick called it “a tough day” for police, following the fatal shooting of two officers in Porepunkah.
Speaking on ABC Radio Melbourne, he said: “We’ll be working with the government to ensure this is handled properly.
“Every day that the men and women of Victoria Police go to work, it’s a tough day, and it’s one of the most difficult jobs anyone could ever imagine.
“This is an example of that.
“We’re thinking of the men and women of Victoria Police right now and our thoughts are with them.”
Maroosha Muzaffar26 August 2025 08:30
Gunman still on the run, accompanied by family members
The gunman is still at large and is believed to be accompanied by several family members, including children, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.
Police confirmed: “A significant search is actively underway to locate the man.”
Authorities have urged residents of Porepunkah to stay indoors and strongly advised the public to avoid the area while the operation continues.
Emergency services continue to monitor the situation closely, emphasising that the incident remains active and potentially dangerous.
Maroosha Muzaffar26 August 2025 08:15
School lockdown lifted hours after fatal shooting of two officers
Students at Porepunkah Primary School will be allowed to go home following an earlier lockdown, its principal Jill Gillies told broadcaster 3AW radio.
Students living locally can be picked up by family members, she said, while those from more distant areas will remain inside the school for now.
Porepunkah Primary School in Porepunkah, Victoria, Australia, 26 August 2025 (via REUTERS)
Following the fatal shooting of two officers in Porepunkah, the school had been put under lockdown.
The shooter is still on the run, and police have deployed a heavy presence in the region, urging locals to avoid the area.
Maroosha Muzaffar26 August 2025 08:12
Locals describe chaos in the rural area following shooting
A local business owner told ABC News that he heard at least fifteen police cars passing through the area around midday, following the reports of a shooting.
Emily, from the Mount Buffalo Caravan Park on Porepunkah’s outskirts, said residents were instructed to lock their cars, stay indoors, and “bunker down” at the same time.
Victorian Police stand at the scene of a shooting in Porepunkah, Victoria, Australia, 26 August 2025 (via REUTERS)
“No one’s allowed to leave,” she said.
“There are helicopters. It’s pretty intense.”
Maroosha Muzaffar26 August 2025 08:01
What we know so far about the Porepunkah shooting
Two police officers have been killed and another injured during a warrant operation at a rural property in Porepunkah, north-east Victoria.
The shooter reportedly identifies as a “sovereign citizen” and remains at large.
Police have deployed a large presence, including a helicopter and an armoured vehicle.
Council buildings in Alpine Shire are closed, and the local primary school is in lockdown.
Authorities have warned that the area remains subject to an “active and ongoing incident” and have advised the public to stay away.
Maroosha Muzaffar26 August 2025 07:45
AFPA voices support for Victoria Police
The Australian Federal Police Association – a union for federal officers – issued a statement offering “its deepest thoughts to the officers, families, and colleagues of Victoria Police affected by today’s incident”.
In a statement, it said: “Reports confirm that one officer has been wounded, and two others are deceased after police executed a warrant at a rural property.”
AFPA President Alex Caruana said: “Our members across the country are thinking of Victoria Police and their families today. Policing is dangerous and unpredictable work, and what has happened in Porepunkah is a reminder of the risks officers face every day in keeping the community safe.”
Authorities are urging people to stay away from the area, describing it as an “active and ongoing incident which may present a significant risk to members of the public”
Maroosha Muzaffar26 August 2025 07:33