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, Mali, had expressed concerns about his behavior. Locals in the town reported that Freeman, originally known as Desmond Christopher Filby, was once a kind and polite father, but that the COVID pandemic changed him drastically.

Freeman became increasingly vocal against mask mandates, vaccinations, and government restrictions, developing a public profile as a committed anti-establishment figure. Some locals noted, 'He fell down a bit of a rabbit hole and sort of disappeared and went off the radar.'

A 'sovereign citizen'

Reports emphasize that Freeman identifies as a 'sovereign citizen', a term for individuals who believe they are above government laws and regulations. This movement gained traction amid Australia's strict lockdowns in 2020. An Australian Federal Police briefing remarked that such beliefs have the potential to inspire violence.

Freeman was involved in an attempted treason case against then-state Premier Daniel Andrews in 2021 but was arrested outside a court amidst an anti-government protest. His case was dismissed.

'You are now in my custody'

Freeman's history with law enforcement is extensive, with multiple court appearances mainly related to driving offenses. His contempt for authority is evident in statements made during these interactions, where he has shouted at judges and issued commands to law enforcement.

Witnesses describe Freeman as having a deep commitment to his beliefs, even attempting to arrest a magistrate during conflicts over public access to national parks.

Experienced bushman

The police believe Freeman is armed and dangerous. Reports indicate that he is proficient in bush skills, complicating the ongoing search efforts within the rugged terrain surrounding his last known whereabouts.

'Pillar of Porepunkah'

Despite his recent actions, Freeman and his family were well-regarded in the Porepunkah community, with Mali working as a music teacher and involved in local activities. Their significant shifts in behavior have left neighbors both concerned and baffled.