Two police officers were killed and another was injured while serving a warrant at an address in rural Australia on Monday morning, with a manhunt underway for the gunman in “wet and cold conditions”.
Police have identified 56-year-old Dezi Freeman as the alleged gunman behind the shooting. Freeman has described himself as a “sovereign citizen”, a movement known for promoting conspiracy theories and hostility toward law enforcement.
Victoria police commissioner Mike Bush told the press that the police “are still looking to locate [the gunman’s] partner and two children, but he was not seen heading into the bush with them”.
Police have urged the public to stay indoors as the suspect is considered “very dangerous”.
A huge police presence has descended on the small rural town, including police helicopters and contingents of armed officers.
Earlier, Australia’s prime minister Anthony Albanese and Victoria premier Jacinta Allan praised the police officers involved for their bravery.
Mr Albanese said the threat of “sovereign citizens” and extremist ideologies must be taken seriously.
Key Points
- 'Active incident' unfolding in rural Australian town
- Gunman still on the run, accompanied by family members
- 56-year-old 'sovereign citizen' identified as the Porepunkah shooter
- What we know so far about the Porepunkah shooting
Neighbour says property where officers were killed was ‘like a prison gate community’
14:00 , Maroosha MuzaffarA 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 says police will continue to work through the night to locate the suspect
13:30 , Maroosha MuzaffarVictoria 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.
Albanese says threat of 'sovereign citizens' must be taken seriously
13:00 , Maroosha MuzaffarPrime 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 says Porepunkah shooting ‘painful reminder’ of police bravery
12:30 , Maroosha MuzaffarVictoria 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.
We stand united in shock and sadness after today's tragic incident in Porepunkah.
— Ambulance Victoria (@AmbulanceVic) August 26, 2025
Our thoughts are with their loved ones, colleagues and the entire Victoria Police community as they grieve this devastating loss.
1/3 pic.twitter.com/6RNLnH2Lvk
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.
Gunman's family missing but not thought to be with him – police
11:54 , Maroosha MuzaffarVictoria 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 looking for suspect’s wife and two children
11:35 , Maroosha MuzaffarPolice 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”.
Police operation continues in 'cold and wet' conditions in Porepunkah
11:15 , Maroosha MuzaffarVictoria’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.”
Victoria Police chief commissioner gives update on Porepunkah shooting
10:55 , Maroosha Muzaffar56-year-old 'sovereign citizen' identified as the Porepunkah shooter
10:40 , Maroosha MuzaffarPolice 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 looking for suspect’s wife and two children
11:19 , Maroosha MuzaffarPolice 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”.
Police chief says arresting Porepunkah gunman is ‘top priority’
10:10 , Maroosha MuzaffarVictoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said arresting the gunman, identified as 56-year-old Dezi Freeman is the force’s “top priority”.
“The suspect for this horrific event is still at large, we believe he is armed,” said Bush.
“We have deployed every special resource into this ... to locate him. That is our priority.”
“Our priority is to arrest him, ensure that he is held to account for the action and also very much to bring safety and security to this community.”
Earlier, The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the police have identified 56-year-old Dezi Freeman as the alleged gunman behind the Porepunkah shooting.
Police leaders pay tribute to two officers
09:40 , Maroosha MuzaffarPolice 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.
Update from @VictoriaPolice CCP Mike Bush, who addresses the unfolding incident in Porepunkah today. He is en route to the area.
— Madelaine Burke (@Madelaine_Burke) August 26, 2025
Updated statement:
Two on duty police officers have been shot and killed during an incident in Porepunkah this morning.
It’s believed ten police… pic.twitter.com/2fVwprFDtH
“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.”
Police remain at the Porepunkah property
09:20 , Maroosha MuzaffarVictoria 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.
Two on duty police officers have been shot and killed, and a third was seriously injured, during an incident in Porepunkah this morning.
— Victoria Police (@VictoriaPolice) August 26, 2025
Further information about the incident will be provided once it comes to hand.
More > https://t.co/5Uramk8IhC pic.twitter.com/jjv5Cprk1V
“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.
Porepunkah shooter identified
08:55 , Maroosha MuzaffarPolice 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”.
Who is the alleged gunman in Porepunkah shooting?
08:45 , Maroosha MuzaffarThe 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.
UPDATE: Victoria Police continues to respond to an incident at a property in Porepunkah.
— Victoria Police (@VictoriaPolice) August 26, 2025
This is still an active incident and we will provide more information when it's operationally safe to do so.
We ask people avoid the area. https://t.co/r2Gqx757yq
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.
‘Tough day’ for police, Victoria opposition minister says
08:30 , Maroosha MuzaffarVictorian 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.
The thoughts and prayers of Queenslanders are with the Victorian Police family this afternoon.
— David Crisafulli (@DavidCrisafulli) August 26, 2025
Police face dangers every day to keep us safe.
This incident is another tragic reminder of that.
The community of Porepunkah and all those impacted by this tragedy are in our hearts…
“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.”
Gunman still on the run, accompanied by family members
08:15 , Maroosha MuzaffarThe 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.
School lockdown lifted hours after fatal shooting of two officers
08:12 , Maroosha MuzaffarStudents 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.
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.
Locals describe chaos in the rural area following shooting
08:01 , Maroosha MuzaffarA 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.
“No one’s allowed to leave,” she said.
“There are helicopters. It’s pretty intense.”
What we know so far about the Porepunkah shooting
07:45 , Maroosha MuzaffarTwo 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.
A police operation is currently underway in Porepunkah, in Victoria’s Northeast.
— Jacinta Allan (@JacintaAllanMP) August 26, 2025
I have been briefed by the Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police. This situation remains active.
Victoria Police officers, and all our first responders, show extraordinary bravery and courage every…
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.
AFPA voices support for Victoria Police
07:33 , Maroosha MuzaffarThe 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.”
AFPA MEDIA RELEASE
— Australian Federal Police Association (@AFPAssociation) August 26, 2025
AFPA expresses solidarity with Victoria Police following tragic incident at Porepunkah.
The Australian Federal Police Association (AFPA) extends its deepest thoughts to the officers, families, and colleagues of Victoria Police affected by today’s incident at… pic.twitter.com/2kVMEn483L
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”
Where is Porepunkah?
07:27 , Maroosha MuzaffarPorepunkah, a small town in north-east Victoria, has 1,024 residents according to the latest census.
Nestled in the Buckland Valley, around 300 km from Melbourne, it is known for its rural charm and proximity to the Victorian Alps.
Gun violence is rare in Australia, which has strict firearm laws.
Two officers confirmed dead
07:21 , Maroosha MuzaffarAlpine Shire Council Mayor Sarah Nicholas has confirmed on social media that two police officers have died.
“Today has been a day of deep sorrow and shock for our community... We are grieving together,” she said.
“We hold our police in the highest regard. They serve with courage, compassion, and dedication, and their loss is felt profoundly across our region,” she said.
Just before Question Time this afternoon, distressing reports emerged that two police officers had been shot dead and a third officer injured in an incident at Porepunkah in the state's north east.
— Brad Battin MP (@BradBattinMP) August 26, 2025
I am in no doubt police officers across Victoria felt a chill upon hearing the… pic.twitter.com/GTInIHWruO
Police say it is still an “active” incident and have urged locals to stay away from the area.
Porepunkah airfield closed amid emergency response
07:11 , Maroosha MuzaffarThe Porepunkah airfield has been temporarily closed as authorities respond to the ongoing incident in the alpine area.
Situated two nautical miles south of Porepunkah in the Buckland Valley, the site remains accessible to police and emergency services, according to the ABC.
Meanwhile, Alpine Shire council buildings have been closed, and the local primary school has been placed in lockdown.
Shooter suspected to be ‘sovereign citizen’
07:00 , Maroosha MuzaffarPolice say the shooter identifies as a “sovereign citizen”.
Members of this movement reject government authority and use pseudo-legal theories – legal-sounding ideas with no basis in real law – to target government institutions.
The shooter is still at large.
Police have deployed a large presence, including a helicopter and an armoured vehicle, to secure the scene of the shooting in rural Porepunkah, about 300 kilometres from Melbourne.
Injured officer in ‘stable condition’
06:48 , Maroosha MuzaffarThe injured police officer is in stable condition, the authorities said on Tuesday.
Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said in a statement: “Ambulance Victoria is on scene, paramedics have treated one person for serious lower body injuries and transported them by air ambulance in a stable condition.”
Two police officers are reportedly dead following a shooting at a rural property in Porepunkah, about 300 km north-east of Melbourne.
The third officer was injured.
The officers were serving a warrant linked to historical sex offences when the shooting occurred, according to ABC News.
The outlet reported that firearms were taken from the deceased officers.
'Active incident' unfolding in rural Australian town
06:41 , Maroosha MuzaffarTwo police officers have been killed and another injured while serving a warrant at an address in rural Australia, according to multiple local media reports.
Officials have yet to confirm any deaths but Australia’s prime minister Anthony Albanese and Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan have both praised the police officers involved for their bravery.
The “active incident” continues to unfold in Porepunkah, Victoria, where a local primary school has been placed in lockdown.
More to follow here.
