Porepunkah Shooting: Community Remembers Two Victoria Police Officers Killed in 2025 Attack
The Porepunkah shooting refers to the fatal attack on Victoria Police officers in the north-east Victorian town on August 26, 2025. The incident occurred while police were executing a search warrant at a rural property near Porepunkah. Two officers, Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart, were killed, while a third officer was seriously injured.
Police identified Dezi Freeman as the alleged gunman. After the shooting, Freeman fled into nearby bushland, triggering a major seven-month manhunt across north-east Victoria. He was ultimately killed by police during a standoff at a rural property in Thologolong in March 2026.
The tragedy continues to have a significant impact on the Porepunkah and wider Victorian police communities. On the first anniversary of the shooting, memorial services were held to honour Thompson and de Waart-Hottart, with police colleagues, families and community members gathering to remember the officers and their service.
The circumstances surrounding the original shooting have also been examined through a coronial process. More recent investigations have focused on Freeman’s movements during the seven months he remained at large, with police making several arrests and executing warrants as part of Taskforce Summit.
The deaths of Thompson and de Waart-Hottart remain one of the most significant tragedies involving Victoria Police in recent years. Their colleagues and loved ones continue to remember them for their dedication to public service and the communities they served
