Residents of a quiet Victorian town have found themselves at the centre of a terrifying ordeal as the manhunt for Dezi Freeman, a self-proclaimed 'sovereign citizen', continues to grip the region.

The unfolding situation has left many locals on edge, with police urging everyone in the area to stay indoors and remain vigilant as they search for the heavily armed suspect.



The usually peaceful community of Porepunkah, nestled in Victoria’s northeast, has been transformed overnight.

After a tragic incident on Tuesday morning, where two police officers were allegedly shot and killed 'in cold blood' and a third wounded, the town has been placed under strict lockdown.

Residents have been told to stay inside, schools have closed their doors, and the streets are eerily quiet as hundreds of police officers, including specialist units, scour the surrounding bushland for any sign of Freeman.

The Department of Education confirmed that Porepunkah Primary School remains closed, while Bright Secondary College has reopened with additional wellbeing support for students.



Police have also asked people not to travel into the area, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.

Dezi Freeman, 56, is known to authorities as a 'sovereign citizen'—a term used for individuals who reject the legitimacy of government and law enforcement.

Freeman has reportedly expressed anti-police sentiments and conspiracy theories online, making him a person of significant concern for authorities.

The events that led to the current crisis began when police arrived at Freeman’s property to execute a search warrant related to alleged historic child sex abuse and unlicensed firearms.



According to reports, Freeman was inside a bus on his property when officers approached.

He allegedly opened fire with a shotgun, resulting in the deaths of a 59-year-old detective and a 35-year-old senior constable. A third officer was injured but is expected to recover.

After the shooting, Freeman fled into the rugged bushland surrounding Porepunkah. Police believe he is still armed and potentially in possession of the slain officers’ weapons and radios, which could allow him to monitor police communications.

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush described Freeman as 'obviously a very dangerous person' and urged him to surrender peacefully. Bush also cofnirms that Freeman has access to 'lethal weapons' but could not determine if he had taken the officer’s weapons.



'We have hundreds of police resources assigned to this very important task,' Mr Bush said. 'My message to that person is give yourself up so that the community can be at peace and we can have this matter resolved peacefully.'

NSW Police on the Albury/Wodonga border are also on high alert, ready to assist if Freeman attempts to cross state lines.

The shockwaves from this tragedy have been felt far beyond Porepunkah. Leaders from across the political spectrum have expressed their condolences and support for the police and the affected families.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan called the incident 'shocking and utterly heartbreaking', while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, 'all Australians are mourning with the families, loved ones and colleagues' of the officers.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Opposition Leader Sussan Ley also paid tribute, acknowledging the bravery and sacrifice of the police officers involved. The incident has served as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement every day.



For those unfamiliar with the term, 'sovereign citizens' are individuals who believe they are not subject to government laws or regulations.

This movement, which has gained traction in various countries including Australia, often leads to confrontations with authorities, particularly over issues like licensing, taxation, and law enforcement.



While most adherents are non-violent, some have been involved in serious criminal incidents, as this case tragically demonstrates.

If you live in or near the affected area, please follow all police instructions and stay indoors until further notice.

Avoid unnecessary travel and keep an eye on official updates from Victoria Police and local authorities. If you see anything suspicious, do not approach—contact police immediately.

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Have you ever experienced a lockdown or emergency in your community? How do you feel about the risks faced by police officers in Australia today? Share your thoughts, stories, or messages of support in the comments below!

We’ll keep you updated as more information comes to light. Stay safe, everyone.