Introduction
A shocking shooting incident has occurred in Australia, resulting in the tragic deaths of two police officers, with another seriously injured. The suspect, a man believed to identify as a “sovereign citizen,” is still on the run with a gun. Residents have been urged to stay indoors and avoid going outside!

1. Tragic Shooting in Alpine Region

On August 26, 2025, the peaceful town of Porepunkah in Victoria’s Alpine region was shattered by gunfire.

Located about 300 km from Melbourne, the town was the site of what should have been a routine warrant execution that escalated into a deadly attack. Two police officers tragically lost their lives, while another officer was critically injured. The suspect, a sovereign citizen male, fled the scene with a gun and is currently on the run.

The tragic incident occurred at around 10:30 AM on Tuesday. A team of 10 officers was executing a search warrant at a local property when they were suddenly shot at. Two officers were fatally wounded, and another sustained a serious lower body injury. The injured officer was airlifted to the hospital in stable condition.

2. Gunman on the Run, Search Ongoing

Following the shooting, the gunman managed to steal at least one police firearm before fleeing with his family, including children. The police immediately surrounded the suspect, who had barricaded himself in nearby bushland, creating a tense standoff.

The suspect is believed to be a self-proclaimed “sovereign citizen”, and armed special operations teams were quickly deployed to the area. Officers from New South Wales have also been placed on standby at the Albury/Wodonga border to assist in the search.

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton confirmed the devastating impact this attack had on the police force, saying, “This is a major tragedy for the Victoria Police force and indeed for police forces across the nation.” He added that the suspect’s whereabouts are currently unknown.

3. Lockdown and Public Safety Measures

In response to the escalating situation, the local Porepunkah Primary School, located just 800 meters from the incident site, was quickly locked down. Students have been instructed to remain indoors until authorities declare it is safe to leave.

The Alpine Shire Council also took immediate action, closing all council facilities, including garbage transfer stations, libraries, tourist information centers, warehouses, and the Bright Sports Center.

By noon, authorities confirmed that the situation was still active, with ongoing efforts to capture the suspect. Victoria's Premier Jacinta Allan issued a statement urging residents to follow police advice and avoid the area.

Conclusion

This shocking police shooting has shaken the entire country, and authorities are continuing their search for the suspect. Residents in the area should stay away from the scene and adhere to safety instructions issued by local law enforcement.

Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the entire police force during this tragic time.