Police killed in Australia shooting named as manhunt continues

Two Victoria Police officers were murdered in a shooting at a rural property in Porepunkah, Australia, on August 26, 2025, during an operation to execute a search warrant, leading to an ongoing manhunt for the suspect, Dezi Freeman. The incident unfolded when a team of ten officers approached the property in the small town of Porepunkah, located approximately 300 kilometers northeast of Melbourne. They were there to serve a warrant related to investigations by the Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation teams. Without warning, Freeman, who was on the property, opened fire on the officers, killing two and injuring a third before fleeing into the surrounding bushland. The deceased officers have been identified as Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, a 59-year-old veteran with decades of service, and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart, 35, who was known for his dedication and community work. The injured officer, whose name has not been released, was shot in the lower body and underwent surgery at Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital, where he is in stable condition. Dezi Freeman, 56, is described as a sovereign citizen who has previously expressed anti-government and anti-police views. He is believed to be heavily armed with multiple firearms and possesses extensive knowledge of the local wilderness, including cave systems, which poses significant challenges to the search operation. Police have warned that he is dangerous and should not be approached. The manhunt involves hundreds of police officers, including tactical units, helicopters, and armoured vehicles. The area has been cordoned off, and residents are advised to remain indoors. Schools in the vicinity were closed, and the community is on high alert. The search is focused on the dense bushland around Mount Buffalo, where Freeman is likely hiding. This shooting is a stark reminder of the risks police officers face daily. Australia has relatively low rates of gun violence due to strict firearm regulations implemented after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, which killed 35 people. However, incidents like the 2022 Wieambilla shootings, where two officers were killed by extremists, show that such threats persist. Victorian Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush expressed outrage and sorrow, stating that the officers were “murdered in cold blood.” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan have offered condolences to the families and pledged full support to the police efforts. The incident has sparked national mourning and discussions about officer safety. As the manhunt enters its second day, authorities are employing a patient strategy, aware that Freeman’s bush skills make direct pursuit risky. The focus is on containment and gradual search, with hopes of apprehending him without further violence. The outcome of this operation will be closely watched, as it tests the resilience of Australia’s law enforcement in the face of such tragedies.