TWO police officers have been killed and a third injured in an “ambush” by an alleged sovereign citizen at a rural property in Australia.
On Tuesday afternoon, Victoria police announced they were handling an “active incident” and advised people to “avoid the area” since the gunman was still at large.
Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush stated that ten officers visited the Porepunkah property around 10:30 am on Tuesday to carry out a search warrant when gunshots were fired.
He explained: “They were targeted. The two fallen officers remain at the location. A third officer sustained serious injuries and is currently undergoing surgery in the hospital.”
Bush said the other officers on scene were uninjured, but stressed the incident was “still active and ongoing”.
“We have deployed all specialist resources into the area to arrest the person responsible… [they] are currently there looking for this person.”
That includes homicide detectives, the Armed Crime Squad, the Fugitive Squad and specialist police units.
Ambulance Victoria confirmed one person with serious lower-body injuries was flown to hospital in a stable condition.
The attack unfolded in Porepunkah, a small Alpine town of about 1,000 residents, located 186 miles north-east of Melbourne.
The local primary school was placed into lockdown and the Alpine shire council closed all public facilities “effective immediately”.
According to Australian media, the suspected gunman claims to be a “sovereign citizen” – associated with a fringe group that denies the legitimacy of Australian laws and government authority.
Often called “SovCits”, adherents have been Australia for decades, with the AFP previously describing them as mostly harmless.
This movement has been gaining momentum over recent years, driven by distrust stemming from the pandemic, with a 2023 AFP briefing noting its “potential for inspiring violence.”
Prime minister Anthony Albanese said: “Our thoughts are with the police for the work they do, each and every day.
“The men and women who wear the uniform of the police force, take risks each and every day.”
Premier Jacinta Allan addressed parliament, stating: “Victorian police and all of our first responders demonstrate remarkable bravery and heroism every day. They truly exemplify our best.”
A large police operation remains underway in Porepunkah, with about 50 officers and a police dog reported at the scene.
The local airfield has been shut to the public to allow emergency access.
Meanwhile, locals are being warned to stay indoors, with PCC Bush saying: “I want to further assure the rural community around Bright that we will do everything to bring this person into custody so that your community is safe.
“Can I please ask you just to stay at home, not go out and about at the moment, until this operation is concluded?
“I’m leaving now to head to the area to support our officers and support the operation.”
