Community Reacts to Dezi Freeman's Death
Independent federal MP Helen Haines, representing the electorate of Indi which includes Porepunkah and the surrounding high country, issued a statement following the confirmation that Dezi Freeman has been shot and killed.
"Over the past six months, a dark cloud has hung over the Porepunkah community. News this morning of the death of Mr Freeman draws this prolonged and devastating incident to a close. This will come as a relief to the whole community – especially to the families of Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, and their colleagues. I thank Victoria Police, and all those involved in the search for their determination and service."
Official Statements from Authorities
Victoria's attorney-general, Sonya Kilkenny, held a press conference in Melbourne as news emerged regarding the police shooting of Freeman. She stated:
"It is a developing situation and of course understand Victoria police has put out a statement a few moments ago. I think the main thing is our thoughts, our concerns and our support are with the Porepunkah community and the families of the two police officers who were killed in that tragic incident nearly six months ago."
Wayne Gatt, secretary of the Police Association, released a statement earlier confirming that the individual fatally shot was Dezi Freeman.
"Our members said they would find him. They did. Closure isn’t the right word. This represents a step forward for our members, for the families of our fallen members and for the community. It doesn’t lessen the trauma, give back the futures that were callously stolen or lessen the collective fear and grief that this tragic event has instilled in police and the wider public."
Gatt added that police officers "won’t reflect on the loss of a coward." Instead, he said they will spend the day remembering "the courage and bravery of our fallen members and every officer that has doggedly pursued this outcome for the community."
"They have worked tirelessly. During the emergency, in the operation that followed and the months thereafter, members across the state have devoted themselves to this singular pursuit. Days like today offer a sobering reminder that policing happens while you sleep, when the media spotlight on an investigation dims and when everything seems lost and forgotten. RIP Vadim and Neal. Today, we remember you."
Background and Ongoing Coverage
Good morning. This live coverage follows the news that police have shot and killed fugitive Dezi Freeman in north-east Victoria this morning.
Police had been searching for Freeman, also known as Desmond Filby, since 26 August when he allegedly shot and killed Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, aged 59, and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, aged 35, and injured a third officer at a property in the small town of Porepunkah, located in Victoria’s high country.
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush is expected to provide further details about the incident shortly.
