Dezi Freeman - a local man in his 50s - has been identified as the gunman. Photo: ABC / Supplied
Two police officers have been killed and one injured in a shooting at a rural property in Porepunkah in north-east Victoria, Australia.
Police said the culprit behind the shootings is still at large.
The ABC has confirmed the name of the gunman as Dezi Freeman - a local man in his 50s - who identifies himself as a "sovereign citizen".
Victoria Police are at the property in the regional Victorian town, 300 kilometres north-east of Melbourne.
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush - a former NZ Police Commissioner - said a team of 10 police officers attended a property on Rayner Track near Porepunkah shortly after 10.30am.
He said two officers were fatally shot while a third was shot in the lower body.
Australian police at the scene near Porepunkah where three officers were shot. Photo: ABC/Annie Brown
The two killed officers were a 59-year-old detective and a 35-year-old Senior Constable, and they both died at the scene.
"The suspect for this horrific event is still at large. We believe he is armed," Bush said.
"Our priority is to arrest him, to ensure he is held to account for his actions."
He confirmed the suspect was "heavily armed" and dangerous.
Bush said police officers were met by the offender at the property and "murdered in cold blood".
He said the suspect escaped the property on foot, and was on his own at the time.
The man's partner and two children attended a police station on Tuesday evening, and police said there was "nothing to suggest they were ever in the company of the suspect" following the incident.
Bush urged the local community to stay safe and to not venture out until they had been given the all clear.
"Can I please ask you just to stay at home, not go out and about at the moment, until this operation is concluded?" he said.
The ABC confirmed police were executing a warrant for historical sex offences at a property near Porepunkah when the shooting began.
Police believe the shooter identifies as a "sovereign citizen",
Sovereign citizens believe the government is illegitimate and use pseudo-law - a collection of legal-sounding concepts that have no basis in actual law - to target government institutions.
Ambulance Victoria have said the police officer injured in the shooting incident has been taken to hospital in a stable condition.
"We stand united in shock and sadness after today's tragic incident in Porepunkah," Ambulance Victoria said in a statement.
"We are wrapping our arms around our own at this time and ensuring our paramedics and first responders who attended this incident are supported."
Tactical vehicles and a helicopter are on the scene near Porepunkah, along with dozens of police officers.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan have both expressed concern for the officers involved.
People are being asked to avoid the scene, which has been described as an "active and ongoing incident which may present a significant risk to members of the public".
Australian police were a rural property in Porepunkah in north-east Victoria. Photo: ABC News
Alpine Shire Mayor Sarah Nicholas said it had been a day of "deep sorrow and shock" for the community.
"We are grieving together, and we will continue to support one another with compassion and care," she said in a video message on social media, her voice breaking with emotion.
The mayor offered condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the fallen police.
Schoolchildren had been kept inside during the incident, the mayor said.
"To our wonderful teachers, thank you for being a steady and calming presence for our children during today's lockdowns," Nicholas said.
"Your kindness and reassurance have made a world of difference in helping our young ones feel safe and supported."
All council facilities were closed until further notice, she said.
A local caravan park manager, Emily White, said it was a jarring experience for a usually quiet town.
"It's really terrifying that this has happened in our community where we've always felt so safe," she told ABC.
Porepunkah has a population of 1024 according to the latest census.
The ABC has seen a heavy police presence at the scene in Porepunkah. Photo: ABC/Ashlee Aldridge
PM says 'grave concern' for officers involved
In a press conference, Albanese said he had been notified of the shooting.
"There is grave concern for some of the police officers who are involved," Albanese said.
"Our thoughts are with the police for the work they do each and every day.
"The men and women who wear our uniform, wear the uniform of the police force take risks each and every day.
"And the Victorian police commissioner will be providing updates during the afternoon."
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reese Kershaw said his thoughts were with the wider police community.
A police operation is currently underway in Porepunkah, in Victoria’s Northeast.
— Jacinta Allan (@JacintaAllanMP) August 26, 2025
I have been briefed by the Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police. This situation remains active.
Victoria Police officers, and all our first responders, show extraordinary bravery and courage every…
Victoria's Premier also said she had been briefed and urged locals to follow the advice of emergency services.
"Victoria Police officers, and all our first responders, show extraordinary bravery and courage every single day," Ms Allan said in a statement posted to social media.
"They are the best of us - and the thoughts of all Victorians are with them today."
Victorian opposition leader Brad Battin also paid tribute to the officers.
"Each and every day Victoria Police members go out in the face of danger. Each and every day they know the risks," he said.
"Today we want to send out our thanks to all of them but more importantly, our thoughts to everyone as the events unfold up north."
New South Wales Police posted a message to Facebook a short while ago, paying tribute to their colleagues.
"Our heartfelt condolences go out to Victoria Police following the tragic loss of two officers today," the statement read.
"We also send our support to the third officer who was seriously injured.
"Our thoughts are with their families, friends, colleagues, and the entire community as they navigate this profoundly difficult time."
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reese Kershaw said his thoughts were with the wider police community.
The Police Association of Victoria said it was supporting the operation.
"We have sent critical incident support teams to the area to assist and support the impacted members, their families and colleagues," it said in a statement.
The Australian Federal Police Association (AFPA) President Alex Caruana said the Association and its 4000-plus members stand in solidarity with its Victorian counterparts during this difficult time.
"Our members across the country are thinking of Victoria Police and their families today.
"Policing is dangerous and unpredictable work, and what has happened in Porepunkah is a reminder of the risks officers face every day in keeping the community safe," Caruana said.
The AFPA said it is ready to support the Police Association of Victoria (TPAV) and stands prepared if required.
"We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our TPAV and Victoria Police colleagues and their loved ones as more details emerge," Caruana said.
- ABC / with AFP
