Six people, including two police officers and a bystander, killed in Queensland siege
It is the worst incident to rock Queensland Police in recent history, sending shockwaves right across the country.
Six people are dead, including two police officers and an innocent bystander, following a siege situation at a property in regional Queensland.
The two young police officers killed have now been identified as Constables Mathew Arnold and Rachel McCrow.
The individuals were gunned down while attending a missing-person inquiry at a rural property.
In total, six people lost their lives, three of whom are the alleged attackers.
It all began when the officers attended the home in response to a missing-person inquiry.
They were ambushed by at least two shooters in what authorities have labeled an execution-style attack.
The officers were initially shot and wounded as they walked up the driveway at around 4.00am AEST.
They were then approached by the gunmen, who were clad in military-style camouflage, and shot where they lay.
Shortly after, Special Operations police arrived on the scene, shooting dead the three alleged offenders in a gunfight.
Police have declared an emergency declaration under the Public Safety Preservation Act (PSPA) in relation to an ongoing incident at Wieambilla.https://t.co/nh7v08kLs0 pic.twitter.com/MU4LvjGdth
— Queensland Police (@QldPolice) December 12, 2022
Queensland’s Police Commissioner, Katarina Carroll, said the incident will be felt right across the state.
“It is with deep sadness that I confirm the deaths of three people including two officers during an incident in the Western Downs late this afternoon,” Carroll said.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has also offered his condolences to the victims and everyone impacted by the incident.
“Terrible scenes in Wieambilla and a heartbreaking day for the families and friends of the Queensland Police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.”
Queensland’s Police Union President, Ian Leavers, said this was a ruthless, calculated and targeted execution.
“Our thoughts are also with police who bravely contained and managed the subsequent operation that has now resulted in the deaths of all the offenders,” Leavers said.
Now investigations continue as police try to piece together exactly what happened and why these officers were attacked.
