Australian police at the scene near Porepunkah where three officers were shot.
Photo: ABC/Annie Brown
Two police officers have been killed and one injured in a shooting at a rural property in Porepunkah in north-east Victoria, Australia.
Victoria Police are at a property in the regional Victorian town, 300 kilometres north-east of Melbourne.
The ABC confirmed police were executing a warrant for historical sex offences at a property near Porepunkah when the shooting began.
Police believe the shooter identifies as a “sovereign citizen”,
Sovereign citizens believe the government is illegitimate and use pseudo-law – a collection of legal-sounding concepts that have no basis in actual law – to target government institutions.
The shooter is still at large and has not yet been captured by police.
Ambulance Victoria have said the police officer injured in the shooting incident has been taken to hospital in a stable condition.
Tactical vehicles and a helicopter are on the scene near Porepunkah, along with dozens of police officers.
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan have both expressed concern for the officers involved.
People are being asked to avoid the scene, which has been described as an “active and ongoing incident which may present a significant risk to members of the public”.
Australian police were a rural property in Porepunkah in north-east Victoria.
Photo: ABC News
Dozens of police officers and several ambulances were at the scene at about 1pm.
Porepunkah Primary School principal Jill Gillies told the ABC the school was in lockdown.
She said they were advised to not let the students out at 11.30am.
“We were told there was an incident near the school,” she said.
“We have plenty of movies and distractions for the children and will continue to follow police orders.”
A local business owner told the ABC he heard at least fifteen police cars driving through the area.
Emily from the Mount Buffalo Caravan Park, on the outskirts of Porepunkah, said residents had been told to lock their cars, stay indoors and “bunker down”.
“No-one’s allowed to leave,” she said.
“There are helicopters. It’s pretty intense.”
Porepunkah has a population of 1024 according to the latest census.
The ABC has seen a heavy police presence at the scene in Porepunkah.
Photo: ABC/Ashlee Aldridge
PM says ‘grave concern’ for officers involved
In a press conference, Albanese said he had been notified of the shooting.
“There is grave concern for some of the police officers who are involved,” Albanese said.
“Our thoughts are with the police for the work they do each and every day.
“The men and women who wear our uniform, wear the uniform of the police force take risks each and every day.
“And the Victorian police commissioner will be providing updates during the afternoon.”
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reese Kershaw said his thoughts were with the wider police community.
A police operation is currently underway in Porepunkah, in Victoria’s Northeast.
I have been briefed by the Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police. This situation remains active.
Victoria Police officers, and all our first responders, show extraordinary bravery and courage every…
— Jacinta Allan (@JacintaAllanMP) August 26, 2025
Victoria’s Premier also said she had been briefed and urged locals to follow the advice of emergency services.
“Victoria Police officers, and all our first responders, show extraordinary bravery and courage every single day,” Ms Allan said in a statement posted to social media.
“They are the best of us – and the thoughts of all Victorians are with them today.”
Victorian opposition leader Brad Battin also paid tribute to the officers.
“Each and every day Victoria Police members go out in the face of danger. Each and every day they know the risks,” he said.
“Today we want to send out our thanks to all of them but more importantly, our thoughts to everyone as the events unfold up north.”
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reese Kershaw said his thoughts were with the wider police community.
The Police Association of Victoria said it was supporting the operation.
“We have sent critical incident support teams to the area to assist and support the impacted members, their families and colleagues,” it said in a statement.
The Australian Federal Police Association (AFPA) President Alex Caruana said the Association and its 4000-plus members stand in solidarity with its Victorian counterparts during this difficult time.
“Our members across the country are thinking of Victoria Police and their families today.
“Policing is dangerous and unpredictable work, and what has happened in Porepunkah is a reminder of the risks officers face every day in keeping the community safe,” Caruana said.
The AFPA said it is ready to support the Police Association of Victoria (TPAV) and stands prepared if required.
“We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our TPAV and Victoria Police colleagues and their loved ones as more details emerge,” Caruana said.
– ABC