Who is Dezi Freeman, the 'sovereign citizen' wanted for killing police?

A major hunt is continuing in the Australian state of Victoria for a man accused of shooting dead two police officers on his semi-rural property and injuring a third.

Police have confirmed that they are searching for Dezi Bird Freeman, a conspiracy theorist and self-described sovereign citizen who rejects government and law.

Freeman, 56, has a long history with the police, and his hatred of authority has been well documented in online posts, videos, and court documents. He has called police terrorist thugs, compared them to Nazis, and tried to arrest a magistrate during court proceedings.

COVID and Conspiracies

Less than a week before the shooting of two police in Porepunkah, his wife disclosed concerns about his behavior to a neighbor.

Locals have described Freeman as once kind and polite, but his behavior became erratic and his views increasingly extreme during the COVID pandemic. He developed a public profile for his anti-restriction stance, refusing to wear face masks and rejecting vaccinations amid the strict measures in Victoria.

A 'Sovereign Citizen'

Freeman is part of a movement that gained momentum during the COVID lockdowns, believing he is exempt from national laws. Reports suggest a recent trend of escalating violence associated with such groups.

In 2021, he made headlines by trying to have then-state Premier Daniel Andrews tried for treason, resulting in his arrest.

'You are now in my custody'

Freeman’s contempt for authority was apparent in court, where he's shouted at judges and attempted to declare judicial personnel as being in his custody. This behavior showcases his significant legal battles typically surrounding driving charges.

Experienced Bushman

Freeman has been reported to live with his family in a semi-secured compound, reinforcing their privacy in light of his anti-government sentiments. He is known to be well-versed in local bushland, complicating police efforts to locate him post-incident.

'Pillar of Porepunkah'

The Freeman family has been a part of the Porepunkah community for years, previously featured in a local TV program discussing neighborhood disputes.