A quiet town in rural Victoria has been shaken by tragedy after two police officers were shot dead and a third injured during what was supposed to be a routine warrant execution. The incident happened on August 26 in Porepunkah, a small community at the foot of Mount Buffalo.
According to authorities, a team of ten officers went to a property to serve a firearms prohibition order linked to historical allegations. They were met with gunfire from 56 year old Dezi Bird Freeman, a man known for his anti government views and ties to the sovereign citizen movement. Two officers, Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, 35, were killed. Another officer was seriously wounded but is now recovering in hospital. Freeman fled the scene armed and is believed to be hiding in the surrounding bushland.
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush described the attack as a cold blooded ambush. He warned that Freeman is heavily armed and skilled in survival tactics, making him extremely dangerous. Police urged the fugitive to surrender peacefully and confirmed they have located and spoken to his partner and children.
The response has been swift and large scale. More than 100 officers from Victoria and neighboring New South Wales have joined the manhunt, supported by helicopters, drones, and ground units. Schools in the region have been closed, roads blocked, and residents told to remain indoors while officers comb through the rugged alpine terrain in difficult weather conditions. Mount Buffalo National Park has also been closed to the public.
The killings have left the community devastated. Vigils are being held across Victoria, with Melbourne landmarks lit up in blue to honor the fallen officers. Premier Jacinta Allan and senior police leaders have offered condolences to the victims’ families and pledged full support to their colleagues. Both officers were remembered for their dedication, with Thompson just months away from retirement and De Waart praised for his service and linguistic skills.
The tragedy has once again highlighted the risks faced daily by law enforcement officers and the growing challenge posed by extremist anti government groups in Australia. For the people of Porepunkah, life will not return to normal until the man responsible is captured and justice is served.