A manhunt is underway in Australia for a gunman who shot dead two police officers and wounded another at a rural property in the southeastern state of Victoria.
The shooting occurred shortly after 10:30 am on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, as 10 police officers were attending the property in Porepunkah, about 300 km northeast of Melbourne.
The police officers had traveled to the property to execute a warrant relating to alleged historical sex offenses. The suspect, identified as Dezi Freeman, a local man in his 50s, is believed to have left the property and is still at large. Authorities have urged the public in and around Porepunkah to remain indoors until further notice and asked people not to travel to the area.
“The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are still being determined, and it remains an active and ongoing situation,” Victoria police said.
“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.” The police believe Freeman is heavily armed and dangerous.
The two killed officers were a 59-year-old detective and a 35-year-old Senior Constable, who died at the scene. The injured officer was shot in the lower body and has been taken to the hospital in a stable condition.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his concern for the officers involved, saying, “There is grave concern for some of the police officers who are involved. Our thoughts are with the police for the work they do each and every day.”
Alex Caruana, president of the Australian Federal Police Association, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased officers.
“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,” Caruana said in a statement.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to Victoria Police following the tragic loss of two officers today. We also send our support to the third officer who was seriously injured.”
The incident has shocked the community, with Alpine Shire Mayor Sarah Nicholas describing it as a day of “deep sorrow and shock.” The mayor offered condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the fallen police. Schoolchildren were kept inside during the incident, and council facilities were closed until further notice.
Gun deaths are relatively rare in Australia, which introduced tough restrictions on firearms in response to the 1996 Port Arthur mass shooting, which killed 35 people and injured 23 others.
The last time an Australian police officer was shot dead in the line of duty was November 2023, when Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig was killed while responding to a call at a property in South Australia.
The police operation is ongoing, with tactical vehicles and a helicopter on the scene. The Australian Federal Police Association has sent critical incident support teams to the area to assist and support the impacted members, their families, and colleagues.
The incident has sparked an outpouring of support for the police, with many expressing their condolences and gratitude for the bravery and dedication of law enforcement officers.
The shooting incident in Porepunkah highlights the inherent dangers faced by law enforcement officers in Australia.
The fact that the gunman, Dezi Freeman, is believed to identify as a “sovereign citizen” raises concerns about the potential motivations behind such attacks.
Sovereign citizens often reject government authority, which can lead to violent confrontations with law enforcement. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks police officers take every day to protect their communities.
The outpouring of support for the police from the community and government officials, including Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, demonstrates the strong bonds between law enforcement and the public. The police operation is ongoing, with a significant search effort underway to locate the suspect.
The incident has also sparked an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting, which will likely examine the events leading up to the attack and the response of the police.
As the community mourns the loss of two dedicated officers, there will be a renewed focus on supporting police mental health and well-being, as well as strategies to prevent similar incidents in the future.