Tragedy in Porepunkah: Two Police Officers Killed, One Injured in Rural Shooting
The quiet alpine town of Porepunkah has been thrust into the spotlight after a shocking police shooting left two officers dead and another wounded. The incident, unfolding on Tuesday morning, has rattled a community better known for its serene landscapes than violence.
Shortly before 11am, police arrived at a rural property to serve a warrant linked to historical sex abuse allegations. Within moments, an urgent call for assistance was made.
What followed remains unclear, but the outcome is grim: two officers have died, and a third was rushed to Wangaratta Hospital with a gunshot wound to the thigh. His condition has not yet been confirmed.
The gunman remains at large. Reports suggest he is not alone, family members, including children, are believed to be with him.
Special Operations Group officers have since swarmed the area. Police have confirmed this is still an “active incident.”
Locals have been told to stay indoors. “Police are currently at a property in Porepunkah… This is still an active incident and we will provide more information when it’s operationally safe to do so. We ask people to avoid the area,” Victoria Police said in a statement.
Porepunkah Primary School was placed in lockdown. Children, staff say, have been kept calm with movies. Meanwhile, Alpine Shire Council closed its public facilities “immediately,” suspending services until further notice.
Australia – Two Police officers killed another injured in an ambush.
The shooting occurred at Porepunkah in Victoria 300 km north west from Melbourne.
The shooter is still at large
A police helicopter and specialist teams are searching for the shooter.
A school is… pic.twitter.com/nqpLA0a52x— The Consultant (@TheConsultant18) August 26, 2025
Porepunkah, with a population just over a thousand, lies on the Great Alpine Road at the foot of Mount Buffalo — around 300km north-east of Melbourne. Normally, it is the gateway to Bright and the snowfields beyond. Today, it is at the centre of a national emergency.
Locals describe the town as a “pretty quiet community.” One resident reported seeing several police cars speeding across the valley. That stillness has been replaced with unease, helicopters overhead, and heavily armed units on standby.
The shooting has drawn responses from the highest levels.
A spokesperson for the Police Association Victoria confirmed: “The Police Association Victoria is aware of a critical incident that has unfolded in northeastern Victoria impacting our members…
We have sent critical incident support teams to the area to assist and support the impacted members, their families and colleagues.”
Premier Jacinta Allan urged caution: “I do ask the Victorian community, particularly those in that beautiful part of the north-east of our state, to follow the advice of Victoria Police and avoid the area.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese voiced concern in Canberra: “Our thoughts are with the police for the work they do, each and every day. The men and women who wear our uniform… take risks each and every day.”
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw added: “Just from the police blue family… our thoughts and prayers are with Victoria Police right now.”
Opposition Leader Brad Battin reflected on the risks officers face: “Each and every day they know the risks, and today, we want to send out our thanks to all of them, but more importantly, our thoughts to everyone as events unfold up in the north.”
For Porepunkah, a town better known for vineyards, alpine tourism, and its postcard scenery, this tragedy is both unthinkable and deeply unsettling. What began as a routine warrant has ended in a national crisis.
The police operation remains active. Roads are closed. Families are being told to shelter indoors. And Australia waits for answers.
