Australian police hunt gunman after two officers shot dead in Victoria

 

Australian police are searching for a gunman who killed two officers and left another critically injured in the rural town of Porepunkah, Victoria. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning when ten officers arrived at a property to serve a warrant linked to historical sex abuse allegations. Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush confirmed the group was met with heavy gunfire. Two officers died at the scene while a third was rushed to hospital with serious injuries.

Authorities immediately launched a large-scale operation, deploying detectives and special operations units to track down the shooter. Police have urged residents in the small alpine town of roughly one thousand people to remain indoors while the manhunt continues. Reports suggest the gunman fled the property with several family members, including children. Investigators believe the suspect identifies as a “sovereign citizen,” a movement whose followers reject the legitimacy of government authority.

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The Age newspaper reported that the officers were ambushed when attempting to carry out their duties. Officials say their priority now is to ensure public safety and bring the gunman into custody. The tragedy has sent shockwaves through Victoria’s law enforcement community and left residents deeply shaken.

The aftermath of the attack has left the Porepunkah community in shock and mourning. Mayor Sarah Nicholas issued a statement expressing sorrow at the loss of the two officers and extended condolences to their families and colleagues. Local council buildings, including libraries and community centres, were closed as a mark of respect.

At Porepunkah Primary School, staff were forced to place around ninety children into lockdown during the manhunt. Principal Jill Gillies told ABC Radio Melbourne that students remained sheltered indoors for nearly an hour until police confirmed it was safe to resume normal activities. The lockdown has since been lifted, but concerns about safety linger in the town.

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Police sources said they will leave no stone unturned in their effort to capture the suspect, with helicopters and ground units currently sweeping the area. Authorities are also providing support to the families of the fallen officers as tributes pour in from across the country.

Prime Minister and state leaders are expected to issue statements in the coming hours, with flags already lowered at several police stations in Victoria. The attack is being described as one of the darkest days for law enforcement in the region’s history.