Queensland Police Force (QPF) paid a tribute on Facebook to two brutally slain on-duty police officers, 26-year-old Constable Rachel McCrow and 29-year-old Constable Matthew Arnold:
“This evening two of our officers lost their lives in the line of duty while protecting their community. Tragically, a member of the public was also killed during the horrific incident. Our thoughts are with their families, friends and colleagues at this devastating time. With Honour They Served.”
While a member of the public, Alan Dare, was also killed, alongside three suspected assailants, two other QPF members miraculously survived the shooting incident and raised alarm.
Queensland Police Union President Ian Leavers confirmed late on Monday night that all property occupants are dead.
Details of the tragedy still being established
On Monday afternoon (12 December) just after 4pm, four on-duty police officers responded to a call from NSW Police to locate a missing person. They entered the Western Downs bushland property at Wieambilla, located near a gas field, to enquire about missing NSW school principal Nathaniel Train, whose brother Gareth is believed to have owned the property.
Two now deceased police officers were firstly wounded as they entered the property in an unsuspected ambush, then brutally executed by the occupants.
QPF issued a public emergency declaration at 6.10pm, isolating the property. It is believed that the gunmen with high-powered weapons also shot at a police helicopter.
A young female constable managed to escape, and hid in the long grass while raising the alarm. She was eventually extracted from the property by a special police force unit. It is a miracle that she survived among the bushfire which the assailants deliberately lit as they searched for the remaining cops. Another Constable, 27-year-old Randell Kirk, was grazed by a bullet in his leg. Both wounded Constables remain in a stable condition in hospital.
Mr Leavers said for the Sky News:
“They [the Constables] had no idea that when they jumped the fence that their lives would come to an end. What I do know is as soon as they jumped the fence, they were met with a hail of gunfire and they immediately fell to the ground,” Mr Leavers said.
“And what I do know then is these ruthless murderous people then went and executed the two police who were on the ground. They were executed in cold blood.
“The female, she took cover in long grass, and these people showed no compassion in any way, shape or form. They actually lit the grass on fire to try and have her stand up, so they could shoot her dead. And she did not know whether she was going to be shot or she would be burnt alive.”
He also confirmed on Twitter that:
“The QPU have established a sanctioned Remembrance Fund for Constable Matthew Arnold & Constable Rachel McCrow.”
Who is Nathaniel Train?
The Australian reported that it is presumed that a missing NSW primary school principal and his brother are among the dead, who were killed around 10.30pm on Monday night.
Train was from Dubbo and taught as a teacher in QLD, before becoming Executive Principal of Walgett Community College primary school in outback NSW.
The nearby Walgett Community College secondary school is one of the most troubled NSW high schools, with the NSW Education Department pouring millions of dollars over the past 18 months alone to fill up vacancies and improve educational outcomes for students of which more than 95 per cent are of First Nations heritage.
46-year-old Nathaniel Train was last seen in Dubbo in December 2021, but remained in contact with his family until October 2022. After being unable to locate him, he was reported missing to officers from Central North Police District on 4 December, who commenced further enquiries. He was described as “being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 183cm tall, of thin build, and has a long grey beard.”
According to The Australian, locals described the area where the assailants were killed as popular with alternative lifestyle seekers, where drug trade was also on the rise.
It remains unclear what was Train doing at his brother’s property at the time of attack.
Politicians react
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese issued a condolence to the families, stating on Twitter:
“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. My condolences to all who are grieving tonight – Australia mourns with you.”
Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton, a former QPF member, said on Twitter:
“Deeply distressing news coming out of western Queensland tonight with those police officers who have been murdered. Police officers face danger every day to keep us from it.”
QLD Premier Annastasia Palaszczuk said on Twitter:
“I extend my deepest respects to their families and to the Queensland Police Service family as a whole. Our police risk their lives every day to keep us safe. I know Queensland joins with me in expressing our shock and sadness.”
QPF also said:
“Circumstances surrounding the incident, including the deaths, will be investigated by police and overviewed by the Ethical Standards Command on behalf of the State Coroner, and is subject to oversight by the Crime and Corruption Commission.”
Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll said it was “the largest loss of life in recent times” for QLD Police. 29 September, which is National Remembrance Day in Queensland for all fallen QPF service members, will be a particularly sombre event considering yesterday’s tragedy.