The alleged gunman who killed two police officers and wounded a third in Porepunkbah — before allegedly going on the run — has been identified as Dezi Bird Freeman.

The Herald Sun, who first identified Mr Freeman, reported he was “well known” to police.

Mr Freeman appears to be a prominent name in suspected sovereign citizen circles and affiliated media.

In 2018, he appeared on A Current Affair complaining about an alleged “full out war” with his neighbours when he asked them to tone down their dirt bike riding.

Numerous entries on the website Freeman Delusion – an online encyclopaedia covering Australian pseudolaw and its adherents, run by researcher Rob Sudy — reference Mr Freeman’s purported activities.

One involves Mr Freeman claiming he arrested a sitting magistrate at Wangaratta Magistrates Court in 2020.

Footage of the hearing shared to social media captures Mr Freeman complaining about a “travesty of justice” due to what he saw as delays in his case and claimed he was ready to launch “private prosecutions” against those involved.

He then announces from the bar table that he is arresting the magistrate for “aiding and abetting”, “acting oppressively and when interested” and “perverting the course of justice”.

Mr Freeman then asks who the highest ranking officer in the court is, only to be met with the police prosecutor next to him saying “that would be me” and “no”.

“You’re obliged to make an arrest,” Mr Freeman says in the clip, as the officer and magistrate shut him down.

He then announces the officer is under arrest for “malfeasance in public office” and “refusing to do your duty”.

Mr Freeman is met with no reactions from anyone present in the courtroom.

As officers attempt to escort him from the court, Mr Freeman continues to exclaim about everyone being under arrest and that he “being under duress” from “four armed criminal surrounding me in an intimidating matter”.

In 2021, Mr Freeman was among hundreds of protesters who attended Myrtleford Magistrates Court in support of a treason charge brought by activists against then-Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews.

He was arrested at the scene and taken away, where he claimed the police were “criminals”, “scumbags” and “obsessed with power”.

According to news reports from The Border Mail, Mr Freeman was convicted in the same court on June 30, 2022 for refusing a roadside drug test, speeding and using a mobile phone – receiving a $1200 fine and two-year driving ban.

He then attempted to appeal the decision in the County Court.

In November 2023, he contested a speeding ticket after being caught driving 76kmh in a 60kmh zone in Porepunkah.

Mr Freeman failed to attend court, leading to the fine being increased to $540.

He appears to have held an ABN from 2003 to 2004, trading as Dezi Freeman Freelance Photographer, according to records on the Australian Business Register.

Alleged shooter still at large

Mr Freeman is believed to still be on the run with family members, including children, and has taken one police-issued firearm from the scene, according to police sources.

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said the wounded officer is in surgery.

“I can confirm tragically that two of our fine Victoria Police officers today lost their lives in the line of duty,” he said.

“This is a terribly tragic event for the Victoria Police, the police family.”

“It is also very important that we wrap ourselves around the friends, family and colleagues of these officers who so bravely gave their lives to support their communities.”

NSW Police on the Albury/Wodonga border are on standby.

The carnage unfolded when 10 police staff were deployed at around 10.30am on Tuesday to execute a search warrant.

“They were fired upon, the two deceased officers are still at the scene,” Mr Bush said in an afternoon update.

“This is a terribly tragic event for the Victoria Police, the police family, but not just here but across the country.

“It is also very important that we wrap ourselves around the friends, family and colleagues of these officers who so bravely gave their lives to support their communities.”

Alpine Shire Mayor Sarah Nicholas posted a video message in which she said it had been a day of “deep sorrow and shock”.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the two police officers tragically killed in Porepunkah,” she said.

“Our thoughts, love, and unwavering support are with you during this incredibly painful time.”