Two Police Officers Killed, One Wounded in Shooting Incident in Porepunkah, Victoria
A tragic incident has unfolded in Porepunkah, a small town in north-east Victoria, where two police officers have lost their lives and another has been wounded in a shooting at a rural property.
Incident Details
The shooting occurred around lunchtime on Tuesday, prompting a large-scale police operation involving dozens of units.
Emergency services, including ambulances and an armoured tactical vehicle, swarmed the area, with a police helicopter circling overhead.
According to sources, the officers were executing a warrant at the property when the shooting took place.
A massive police presence remains in the area, with residents advised to avoid the scene and stay indoors.
Official Responses
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan expressed concern for the officers involved, stating that she had been briefed by the chief commissioner of Victoria Police.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also expressed his condolences, saying that there was “grave concern” for the police officers involved.
The Australian Federal Police Association (AFPA) has expressed solidarity with Victoria Police, while the Police Association of Victoria has sent critical incident support teams to the area to assist affected members and their families.
Local Reaction
The Alpine Shire Council has closed all its facilities, including libraries and information centres, as a precautionary measure.
Porepunkah Primary School was placed in lockdown earlier in the day, with students not allowed to leave the premises.
Local business owners and residents reported hearing multiple police cars and sirens in the area, with some residents instructed to “bunker down” and stay indoors.
The small town of Porepunkah, with a population of 1,024, remains in shock as the community comes to terms with the tragic incident.