URGENT UPDATE: A shocking incident has unfolded in Porepunkah, Australia, where Dezi Freeman, a 56-year-old conspiracy theorist, is accused of ambushing police officers, resulting in the deaths of two officers and injuries to a third. The violent attack occurred on the evening of October 3, 2023, as law enforcement arrived at Freeman’s rural property to execute a search warrant.
Freeman’s erratic behavior had raised concerns among acquaintances, with his wife, Mali Freeman, reportedly expressing fears about his increasingly radical views. Just days prior to the ambush, Mali confided her worries to a neighbor, highlighting the tense situation within their home.
Authorities report that Freeman remains at large, evading capture in the dense bushland surrounding the couple’s property, located approximately 300 kilometers northeast of Melbourne. The couple’s three children are currently unaccounted for, raising alarms about their safety amidst the unfolding chaos.
Freeman, who has publicly identified as a “sovereign citizen,” has a documented history of anti-government rhetoric and hostility towards law enforcement. His disdain for police was vividly illustrated during a court appearance last year, where he compared seeing an officer to “an Auschwitz survivor seeing a Nazi soldier.” Locals describe his behavior as having escalated dramatically since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, as he vehemently opposed government restrictions and vaccination mandates.
One neighbor stated, “He went from being just a pretty ordinary country bloke to quite a strange bloke. We could have never imagined this.” His transformation from a regular community member to a figure of violence has left many in the area in shock and disbelief.
Freeman’s online presence showcases his radical views, including past attempts to “arrest a magistrate” and his involvement in a failed prosecution against former premier Daniel Andrews for treason. His history includes numerous confrontations with law enforcement, where he has openly referred to officers as “scumbags” and “corrupt scum.”
Community members describe Mali as a beloved local figure, often volunteering and helping those in need. One neighbor remarked, “She was always bringing in fresh fruit and vegetables to donate. Everyone thought she was a very nice person.” The emotional toll on the family and community is palpable as the search for Freeman intensifies.
As police work tirelessly to apprehend Freeman, local authorities emphasize the challenges posed by his knowledge of survival in the bushland. A neighbor expressed concerns for the family, stating, “He’s got a beautiful family, though, so my heart breaks for them.”
The situation remains fluid, with updates expected as law enforcement continues to pursue Freeman. The community is on high alert, grappling with the aftermath of this tragic event. More details will be provided as they emerge.
