‘Ruthless, calculated, targeted execution’: Chilling police memo after officers gunned down

Two officers copped the ‘full force of blasts’ when they were ambushed by camouflaged gunmen at a remote Qld property, the police union president revealed in a memo, adding the executions had left ‘all in a state of shock and disbelief’. READ THE MEMO

Queensland Police Union President Ian Leavers described the killing of two police officers in Queensland’s western Darling Downs on Monday as “ruthless, calculated and targeted execution”.

The two officers were shot dead in an ambush, while a member of the public was also killed shortly after.

The horrific scenes unfolded when four police officers had attended a property on Wains Rd, Wieambilla, south of Chinchilla about 4.40pm Monday.

The police officers killed in the execution-style shooting were a 29-year-old male and 26-year-old female. It’s understood the neighbour was killed after the officers were shot at close range.

On Monday night Special Operations police shot dead three people in a firefight. Mr Leavers confirmed all offenders were dead.

Police union president Ian Levers gave a chilling memo to the force.

After the violent end, Mr Leavers wrote to Queensland Police Union members.

“With great sadness we write to inform you of the deaths of two of our friends, colleagues, loved ones and Queensland Police Union members, both Constables from Tara this afternoon while on duty,” Mr Leavers wrote.

“Just before 5pm, four officers were carrying out routine missing person enquiries at Wieambilla, near Chinchilla and Tara, when they were fired upon at a residence. Two officers received the full force of the blasts while the other two officers are lucky to have escaped with their lives.

Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers is on the ground in Chinchilla on Tuesday morning. Picture: Nev Madsen

“These officers’ tragic, needless and senseless murders have already been felt deeply across Queensland and all over Australia.

“QPU president Ian Leavers, QPU vice-president Shane Prior, Legal Manager Shayne Maxwell and Regional Rep Col Muller are with police in Chinchilla with colleagues, friends and members providing support.

“Our thoughts are also with police who bravely contained and managed the subsequent operation that has now resulted in the deaths of all the offenders.

“The best professional assistance including expert legal assistance is also being provided to all QPU members involved with the subsequent resolution of the siege with the QPU’s critical incident team also on the scene.

“We are all in a state of shock and disbelief. To be here tonight and know that two brave police both under the age of 30 have needlessly lost their lives affects all our emotions.

“To know that she and he are no longer with us in what was a ruthless, calculated and targeted execution of our colleagues and loved ones brings home the very real risks that we face every single day doing our jobs.

Emergency services at the scene. Picture Harry Clarke/Country Caller

“This incident once again highlights the inherent danger involved in all police work.

“All police officers put their lives on the line every time they commence their shift.

“The senseless murder of colleagues is a very emotional and challenging time for the entire police community.

“The events of today remind us that our job as police is always dangerous. It never stops, and it comes at a heavy cost to us all.

“It is also a stark reminder of what we risk every day.

“We know that when we leave home to go to work each day, there are never any guarantees we will come home at the end of the day.

“These officers’ lives have been cut tragically short for one reason and one reason alone, for simply doing their job, and we Queensland police remember and honour them.

“At this time, we need to remember that we should all continue to look out for our colleagues and all our mates and co-workers.

“If you or one of your colleagues need assistance, please contact us ... and depending on the assistance you may need, we can connect you with support, including the support of our partners.

“Support and fundraising efforts for the two officers are currently in hand and will be circulated to members shortly.”

The memo said the officers’ extended families had not been told.

“The QPS family being so tight, many of you will be aware who these officers are and we ask that you respect the family’s desire to inform all loved ones first,” Mr Leavers said.