Who is Dezi Bird Freeman? The Sovereign Citizen Gunman Behind Deadly Victoria Shooting

On Tuesday, August 26, 2025, the peaceful town of Porepunkah in Victoria’s High Country was thrown into chaos when a man known as Dezi Bird Freeman allegedly opened fire on police officers. Two officers were killed and a third was wounded during the shocking attack.

Who is Dezi Bird Freeman?

Dezi Bird Freeman, born Desmond Filby, is a self-proclaimed sovereign citizen who believes he is above the law. He once worked as a landscape photographer but later became known for his anti-authority views. He changed his name to Freeman to reflect his belief system.

Locals describe him as controversial and aggressive. He often clashed with police and courts, refusing to accept Australian laws. In 2020, after being pulled over for traffic offences, he insulted police officers in court, calling them “Nazis” and “terrorist thugs.”

The Shooting Incident

Police arrived at Freeman’s property on Tuesday morning with a warrant related to historic sex abuse allegations. According to reports, Freeman allegedly opened fire with a shotgun, killing two officers instantly and injuring a third in the legs.

After the shooting, he is said to have taken the fallen officers’ guns, then held his wife, Mali, and their two children hostage before fleeing into the wilderness. This triggered a massive manhunt, with roads closed and helicopters circling the area.

Freeman’s History of Threats

Freeman had a record of making threats online and in person. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he wrote disturbing posts, warning that “hell awaits” for politicians and police. In 2021, he even attempted to charge former Victorian Premier Dan Andrews with treason and fraud in a local court, though the case was thrown out.

In past years, he appeared on TV in A Current Affair’s “Neighbour Wars” segment, involved in a noisy dispute with neighbors. Locals later said the Freemans had put them “through hell.”

Impact on Porepunkah

The attack sent shockwaves through the quiet community. Schools went into lockdown, residents were told to stay indoors, and the Alpine Shire Council closed public facilities until the situation was under control.

Premier Jacinta Allan urged Victorians to avoid the area, while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and law enforcement leaders expressed sympathy for the fallen officers.

As of now, police continue their search for Freeman, warning the public that he is armed and extremely dangerous.