Two police officers have been killed and another injured while serving a warrant at an address in rural Australia, according to multiple local media reports.
Alpine Shire Council Mayor Sarah Nicholas confirmed on social media that two police officers have died. Australia’s prime minister Anthony Albanese and Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan have both praised the police officers involved for their bravery.
The “active incident” continues to unfold in Porepunkah, Victoria, where a local primary school has been placed in lockdown.
The Age, a major newspaper based in Melbourne, Victoria, reported that the police were at the address to serve a warrant for historical sex offences.
The Australian Federal Police Association – a union for federal officers – issued a statement offering “its deepest thoughts to the officers, families, and colleagues of Victoria Police affected by today’s incident”.
A large number of armed police as well as police helicopters have reportedly descended on the scene in Alpine Shire, where council services have also been suspended.
Key Points
- 'Active incident' unfolding in rural Australian town
- Injured officer in ‘stable condition’
- Shooter suspected to be ‘sovereign citizen’
AFPA voices support for Victoria Police
07:33
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Maroosha Muzaffar
The Australian Federal Police Association – a union for federal officers – issued a statement offering “its deepest thoughts to the officers, families, and colleagues of Victoria Police affected by today’s incident”.
In a statement, it said: “Reports confirm that one officer has been wounded, and two others are deceased after police executed a warrant at a rural property.”
AFPA President Alex Caruana said: “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.”
AFPA MEDIA RELEASE
— Australian Federal Police Association (@AFPAssociation) August 26, 2025
AFPA expresses solidarity with Victoria Police following tragic incident at Porepunkah.
The Australian Federal Police Association (AFPA) extends its deepest thoughts to the officers, families, and colleagues of Victoria Police affected by today’s incident at… pic.twitter.com/2kVMEn483L
Authorities are urging people to stay away from the area, describing it as an “active and ongoing incident which may present a significant risk to members of the public”
Where is Porepunkah?
07:27
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Maroosha Muzaffar
Porepunkah, a small town in north-east Victoria, has 1,024 residents according to the latest census.
Nestled in the Buckland Valley, around 300 km from Melbourne, it is known for its rural charm and proximity to the Victorian Alps.
Gun violence is rare in Australia, which has strict firearm laws.
Two officers confirmed dead
07:21
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Maroosha Muzaffar
Alpine Shire Council Mayor Sarah Nicholas has confirmed on social media that two police officers have died.
“Today has been a day of deep sorrow and shock for our community... We are grieving together,” she said.
“We hold our police in the highest regard. They serve with courage, compassion, and dedication, and their loss is felt profoundly across our region,” she said.
Just before Question Time this afternoon, distressing reports emerged that two police officers had been shot dead and a third officer injured in an incident at Porepunkah in the state's north east.
— Brad Battin MP (@BradBattinMP) August 26, 2025
I am in no doubt police officers across Victoria felt a chill upon hearing the… pic.twitter.com/GTInIHWruO
Police say it is still an “active” incident and have urged locals to stay away from the area.
Porepunkah airfield closed amid emergency response
07:11
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Maroosha Muzaffar
The Porepunkah airfield has been temporarily closed as authorities respond to the ongoing incident in the alpine area.
Situated two nautical miles south of Porepunkah in the Buckland Valley, the site remains accessible to police and emergency services, according to the ABC.
Meanwhile, Alpine Shire council buildings have been closed, and the local primary school has been placed in lockdown.
Shooter suspected to be ‘sovereign citizen’
07:00
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
Police say the shooter identifies as a “sovereign citizen”.
Members of this movement reject government authority and use pseudo-legal theories – legal-sounding ideas with no basis in real law – to target government institutions.
The shooter is still at large.
Police have deployed a large presence, including a helicopter and an armoured vehicle, to secure the scene of the shooting in rural Porepunkah, about 300 kilometres from Melbourne.
Injured officer in ‘stable condition’
06:48
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Maroosha Muzaffar
The injured police officer is in stable condition, the authorities said on Tuesday.
Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said in a statement: “Ambulance Victoria is on scene, paramedics have treated one person for serious lower body injuries and transported them by air ambulance in a stable condition.”
Two police officers are reportedly dead following a shooting at a rural property in Porepunkah, about 300 km north-east of Melbourne.
The third officer was injured.
The officers were serving a warrant linked to historical sex offences when the shooting occurred, according to ABC News.
The outlet reported that firearms were taken from the deceased officers.
'Active incident' unfolding in rural Australian town
06:41
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
Two police officers have been killed and another injured while serving a warrant at an address in rural Australia, according to multiple local media reports.
Officials have yet to confirm any deaths but Australia’s prime minister Anthony Albanese and Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan have both praised the police officers involved for their bravery.
The “active incident” continues to unfold in Porepunkah, Victoria, where a local primary school has been placed in lockdown.
More to follow here.
