Manhunt Underway After Two Police Officers Killed in Porepunkah Ambush
Victoria police launch major search for a suspect after two officers were fatally shot and one wounded while serving a rural arrest warrant.
A manhunt is under way in Victoria after two police officers were fatally shot and a third critically injured during an ambush at a rural property in Porepunkah.
Officers were serving a historical sex offences arrest warrant when the suspect opened fire before escaping alone on foot into the bush. Authorities have deployed hundreds of personnel, including a helicopter, and warned residents to stay indoors.
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush confirmed that two officers were "murdered in cold blood" and the wounded colleague was airlifted to hospital. He described the suspect as extremely dangerous and vowed to use all available resources to ensure community safety.
Alpine Shire Mayor Sarah Nicholas paid tribute to the officers and offered "thoughts, love and unwavering support" to their families, calling the incident a day of "deep sorrow and shock" for the town of about 1,000 residents.
Local caravan park owner Emily White said the community, known for its friendly openness, was stunned. "Nothing like this ever happens here," she said.
Police believe the gunman is a self-declared "sovereign citizen"—individuals who reject government authority. The Australian Federal Police warn the movement has "an underlying capacity to inspire violence," despite its mostly non-violent history.
Gun crime remains rare in Australia under strict firearms laws, but this tragedy has renewed debates over public safety and enforcement strategies.
Two officers were killed in an ambush while serving a warrant, triggering a large-scale search for the dangerous suspect.
This topic was reported by BBC.
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