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.