Two police officers were fatally shot and a third wounded during an ambush in rural Victoria, sparking a large-scale, weather-challenged manhunt for the heavily armed suspect.
At a Glance
- Two Victoria Police officers—Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, 35—were killed during a warrant execution near Porepunkah.
- The 56-year-old suspect, Dezi Bird Freeman, a self-proclaimed sovereign citizen, is heavily armed and trained in bushcraft.
- An extensive manhunt in wintry alpine bushland is underway, with air, roadblock and specialized unit support; the terrain and weather are severely hampering search efforts.
- Freeman’s wife and children are confirmed safe and have interacted with police; there is no evidence they were involved or held hostage.
- Tributes and lockdowns spread across the region—schools and public venues were closed, and landmarks lit blue in honor of the fallen officers.
Background and The Incident
On 26 August 2025 at approximately 10:30 am AEST, a team of ten Victoria Police officers attempted to execute a warrant on a rural property near Porepunkah. The warrant was linked to a firearms prohibition order and allegations of historical sexual offences involving the suspect, Dezi Bird Freeman.
Police say Freeman ambushed the officers in or near an abandoned bus on the property. In the exchange of gunfire, Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, a veteran officer nearing retirement, and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, aged 35, were killed. A third officer was seriously injured but later stabilized after surgery.
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The Suspect and His Profile
The man identified as the gunman is Dezi Bird Freeman, formerly known as Desmond Christopher Filby. Freeman is 56 years old and has been associated with the sovereign citizen movement, which rejects government authority. His past includes attempts to publicly confront officials, labeling police as illegitimate, and challenging court rulings during the pandemic years.
Authorities emphasize that Freeman has significant survival skills and is highly familiar with the alpine terrain. He is believed to possess several firearms. Concerns initially focused on the safety of his wife and children, but police later confirmed they were unharmed, had engaged with authorities voluntarily, and were not held hostage.
The Ongoing Manhunt
As of 27 August 2025, the manhunt for Freeman continues in challenging alpine conditions. Police operations include roadblocks, aerial searches, canine units, and tactical teams. Heavy snowfall and cold weather have slowed the pace of the search, while a no-fly zone has been enforced over a 7.5 kilometer radius to protect operations.
Nearby Mount Buffalo National Park and surrounding areas have been closed. The terrain is rugged and densely forested, favoring someone with the skills attributed to Freeman. Authorities acknowledge the difficulty but stress that every available resource is being mobilized to bring the situation to a close.
Community Impact and Reaction
The incident has placed the community of Porepunkah and surrounding alpine towns under lockdown. Schools, childcare centers, and public venues were shut, and residents were advised to remain indoors. The shock of the event has reverberated through Victoria, with landmarks across Melbourne and regional centers illuminated in blue as a gesture of solidarity.
Political leaders have expressed condolences to the families of the fallen officers. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the attack as a stark reminder of extremist threats, while Premier Jacinta Allan highlighted the bravery of police officers serving in high-risk circumstances. Vigils and tributes are planned across the state, underscoring the widespread grief and the determination to honor the officers’ service.
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