Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has issued a stark warning regarding the escalating danger posed by extremist ideologies, while simultaneously declaring he possesses 'no sympathy' for self-proclaimed sovereign citizen Dezi Freeman. Freeman was responsible for the fatal shooting of two Victorian police officers before being killed himself during a dramatic police standoff.
Prime Minister's Firm Stance on Fugitive's Death
Speaking to ABC Radio, Prime Minister Albanese stated unequivocally that it was 'good' that Freeman was dead, following the intense three-hour confrontation at a remote rural property in north-east Victoria. 'I just don't have any sympathy for him, that's my position,' Albanese affirmed, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding his feelings toward the fugitive.
Albanese elaborated that Freeman's death resulted directly from his own deliberate choices and actions. 'He made the decision to murder two police officers. He then made the decision not to give himself up and not go through a legal process,' the Prime Minister explained. 'He always was going to be brought to justice.'
Remembering the Fallen Officers
The Prime Minister reflected on the profound emotional impact of attending the funerals for the two slain officers at the Victoria Police Academy. Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, aged 59, and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart-Hottart, aged 35, lost their lives in the line of duty. A third officer sustained serious injuries during the incident.
'I'll never forget being in a room with so many tough, hardened people who were absolutely distraught,' Albanese recounted, describing the ceremony as one of the most confronting moments of his life. 'The tears, the pain, it was just devastating,' he added, highlighting the deep grief within the police community.
Warning Against Sovereign Citizen Extremism
Prime Minister Albanese took the opportunity to deliver a serious caution about the dangers associated with sovereign citizen ideology, which Australian security agencies now classify as an emerging extremist threat. 'They don't respect any lawful process,' Albanese stated. 'They regard police, government and society itself as illegitimate, and they place themselves outside it.'
The Prime Minister directly linked this ideology to Freeman's violent actions. 'That ideology led him to murder two police officers in cold blood,' Albanese asserted. He also referenced warnings from the head of ASIO about the significant risks this belief system represents to national security and public safety.
Investigation into the Seven-Month Manhunt
Following Freeman's death, Victoria Police confirmed that an investigation is actively underway to determine whether any individuals assisted Freeman during his lengthy seven-month evasion of authorities. Albanese assured the public of robust cooperation between law enforcement and intelligence agencies. 'There is always strong cooperation between Victoria Police, the AFP and our intelligence agencies,' he said. 'People can be assured every level of cooperation will be granted.'
The manhunt for Freeman, which began on August 26, 2025, after he opened fire on officers executing a warrant at his Porepunkah property, evolved into one of the largest operations in Australian history. It involved hundreds of police personnel, helicopters, specialist canine units, and intelligence operatives.
Freeman managed to evade capture for 216 days, hiding within rugged alpine bushland, before police ultimately tracked him to a property near Walwa. He was shot dead on Monday morning after refusing to surrender peacefully. Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush confirmed, 'There was an opportunity for him to surrender peacefully, which he did not take.'
