Australian Police Conduct Major Manhunt for Gunman Who Killed Two Officers in Victoria

Australian police are conducting a challenging manhunt for Dezi Freeman, a heavily armed 56-year-old suspect who allegedly killed two officers and wounded a third during a search warrant execution at his rural property in Porepunkah, Victoria. Freeman, who possesses expert bushcraft survival skills and multiple firearms, fled into dense alpine bushland, complicating the search amid freezing and snowy conditions. The victims were Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, both experienced officers. Authorities have ruled out a hostage situation involving Freeman's family, who are reported safe, while urging local residents to stay indoors during the ongoing operation. Freeman is believed to hold sovereign citizen views and has a history of opposing government authority, which may have influenced his actions. Police continue to deploy extensive resources in the remote area to apprehend this dangerous suspect.