Queensland shooting: Two police officers, and a member of the public, killed at a remote property
Two police officers and a member of the public have been shot dead on a remote property in Queensland, Australia.
Officers responded to reports of a missing person in Wieambile – 270km (168 miles) west of Brisbane.
The perpetrators are still at large, the police said at a press conference. Residents are urged to stay indoors “until further notice.”
Katarina Carroll, Queensland’s police commissioner, said four officers were at the scene.
One was “shot in the pasture” while another fled the property. According to her, both are being treated in hospital.
Ms Carroll said the perpetrators had yet to be taken into custody and that the police operation included PolAir – which provides air support to the police – and special forces.
She added it was the biggest loss of life in a single incident in recent memory, paying tribute to officers who “paid the ultimate sacrifice to keep our community safe”.
Also speaking at the press conference was Queensland Police Minister Mark Ryan, who described the incident as a “traumatic, confronting and devastating event for our community”.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it was a “heartbreaking day for the families and friends” of Queensland police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Peter Dutton, a former Queensland police officer who now leads the opposition Liberal Party, said the police killings were “deeply disturbing”.
“Police officers face danger every day,” he said.
