They made “the ultimate sacrifice to ensure the safety of our community”, Queensland Police Chief Katarina Carroll said.
Six people, including two new police officers, have died in a shooting in the Australian state of Queensland, authorities said today.
Police received a call yesterday from the small town of Wyampilla, as part of an investigation into a disappearance.
When its members “entered the property, they came under fire” and “didn’t stand a chance”, Queensland police union president Ian Livers said.
“Two police officers were executed in cold blood,” he added.
The two victims — Matthew Arnold, 26, and Rachel McRaw, 29, according to the Australian press — were still early in their careers.
They made “the ultimate sacrifice to ensure the safety of our community”, Queensland Police Chief Katarina Carroll said.
A neighbor, 58, was also hit by a bullet and was pronounced dead “at the scene” by police.
After the first rifle fire, a special intervention unit was sent to the location.
Shortly after 22:30 (local time), two men and a woman, suspected of the murders, were dead. Their details were not made public. However, according to The Australian newspaper, it was a teacher, his brother and his brother’s wife who owned the place where the tragedy unfolded.
The motive for the massacre remains unclear.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the carnage in Wyampilla as “horrendous”. He said it was “heartbreaking for the families and friends of Queensland police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty”.
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With a wealth of experience honed over 4+ years in journalism, I bring a seasoned voice to the world of news. Currently, I work as a freelance writer and editor, always seeking new opportunities to tell compelling stories in the field of world news.
