Australian Police Urge Gunman to Surrender After Officers Killed
Dezi Freeman, a 56-year-old with a history of firearm fascination and sovereign citizen beliefs, remains at large after killing two officers and injuring another; police face difficult terrain in ongoing search.
- On 26 August 2025, two Victoria Police officers serving a warrant at a rural property in Porepunkah were shot and killed, while a third officer sustained injuries during the incident.
- The shooting occurred during an operation involving ten officers from a sexual offences and child abuse team targeting Dezi Freeman, a self-described sovereign citizen known for his disdain of police and interest in homemade firearms.
- Following the shooting, Freeman fled armed with stolen police weapons into dense, mountainous bushland near his property, complicating the search amid worsening weather and challenging terrain.
- Police have conducted extensive searches, including targeting a house on Chandler Circuit tied to Freeman’s family, while two people have been arrested and the community is urged to report sightings without approaching the gunman.
- The incident has prompted national attention, with Prime Minister Albanese and Victoria Premier Allan praising the officers’ bravery, pledging full support to police, and warning that extremist sovereign citizen threats must be taken seriously.
Insights by Ground AI
Does this summary seem wrong?
53 Articles
53 Articles
Coverage Details
Total News Sources53
Leaning Left10Leaning Right6Center15Last UpdatedBias Distribution48% Center
Bias Distribution
- 48% of the sources are Center
48% Center
L 32%
C 48%
R 19%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium