Three shot dead by police after two officers, member of public killed in ambush
The brothers – one a respected school principal – who executed two police officers and their innocent neighbour in a bloody ambush were driven by bizarre conspiracy theories.
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The brothers who executed two police officers and their innocent neighbour in a cold-blooded ambush on the Darling Downs were fuelled by bizarre conspiracy theories.
Two young police officers were killed by a wall of bullets in an execution-style ambush while a third officer was hunted through bushland by the gunmen.
Constable Rachel McCrow, 29, and Constable Matthew Arnold, 26, were murdered in cold blood at a property at Wieambilla, south of Chinchilla, about 4.40pm Monday.
After the officers were shot, it’s understood the gunmen who were wearing camouflage fired further shots into their bodies, and their glocks were taken.
Neighbour Alan Dare was also shot and killed by the armed offenders when he came out to investigate the commotion.
Three suspects, Gareth Train, his brother Nathaniel, a former Queensland school principal, who had been the subject of a missing persons notice by New South Wales Police, and Gareth’s wife Stacey Train – a former teacher at Tara Shire State College – were killed in a police firefight late Monday night.
Gareth regularly posted bizarre conspiracy theories online, including that the Port Arthur massacre was an inside job and Princess Diana was killed in a ‘blood sacrifice’.
In a chilling post he also spoke about his mistrust for police and a confrontation with officers on his property.
“I have directed law enforcement to leave my premises over the last 20yrs, having no reason or grounds and at times have also asked them to remove their hands from their weapons or pull their pistols and whistle Dixie,” he wrote.
“Fortunately for me they have all been cowards.
“Our country is at a point where even cowards are now dangerous because they are unpredictable in groups, turn your back and you may find yourself out cold on the floor with law enforcement dancing on your head. We are seeing this in Victoria.”
Theories, fires and killers: Qld’s cold-blooded ambush explained
Gareth also posted about the Port Arthur massacre on other websites, claiming mass shooter Martin Bryant was the “perfect patsy”, that the shooting was a “false flag” operation and was a “government psy-op massacre”.
He also wrote an anti-vaccination post.
Nathaniel, 46, a former principal of Yorkeys Knob State School in Cairns, was last seen in Dubbo on December 16 last year but was still in contact with family members until Sunday, October 9 this year.
Sources have revealed there were warnings one of Nathaniel’s relatives had a strong dislike of police.
Nathaniel was well-loved at Yorkeys Knob State School and was a key influence in making the school one of Australia’s top NAPLAN performers.
Two other officers who also came under attack, Constable Keely Brough and Constable Randall Kirk, both aged 28, managed to escape.
Constable Kirk suffered a gunshot wound to the leg while Constable Brough, who had only been in the force for nine weeks, fled into bushland, pursued by the gunmen.
It is understood the gunmen started a bushfire in a bid to choke her out.
During the ordeal, she sent frantic messages to family saying she thought she was going to die.
“She did not know whether she was going to be shot or whether she was going to be burnt alive,” said Police union president Ian Leavers.
“She was sending messages to loved ones where she was almost at the point where she was her time.”
She was rescued by other police. A team of 16 officers was sent in to retrieve the bodies of their slain colleagues.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, in an address to the nation, said the fallen police officers had shown courage and public service of the highest level.
Mr Albanese said Australia as a whole mourned officers Constable Arnold and Constable McCrow alongside their loved ones.
“Today is a rough day indeed, for all police,” Mr Albanese said in the press conference.
“This is not a price anyone who puts on a uniform should pay.
“My heart goes out to all their loved ones impacted. Australia mourns with you today.”
A tearful Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll said both Constable McCrow and Constable Arnold had only recently joined the police service.
“I can confirm the two officers who tragically lost their life overnight were Constable Matthew Arnold, 26 years old (and) Constable Rachel McCrow, 29 years old, and they were both from Tara police station,” she said.
She said she also wanted to extend her condolences to the family of the man from a neighbouring property, also killed when he went to help.
“And I want to pay tribute to the two other officers who attended the job – Constable Keeley Brough and Constable Randall Kirk.
“They bravely did what they could to save their colleagues in the most horrendous circumstances.
“Their bravery was beyond belief. Thankyou also to the specialist police and other first responders who were involved in the dangerous confrontation for many hours last night.”
She said both Constable Arnold and Constable McCrow were highly respected and much loved members of the QPS.
“They were both committed and courageous young people who had a passion for policing and for serving their community,” Ms Carroll said.
“Both under 30 years of age, both had wonderful careers and lives ahead of them.
“Yesterday, as they did every day, they put their lives on the line to serve their community.
“In this awful incident, they made the ultimate sacrifice.
“Sadly, both Matthew and Rachel had only recently commenced their policing careers.”
Ms Carroll said Constable Arnold was sworn in March 2020 and Constable McCrow in June 2021. They began their careers in the Dalby division before moving to Tara police station.
She said she would be visiting the families of both officers very soon.
“Every day our officers face very real dangers while protecting their communities,” she said.
“I know the days and weeks ahead will be very difficult for us as a policing family.
“To all our officers and their loved ones, please look out for each other.”
Ms Carroll said it was a miracle the two officers escaped with their lives. Constable Brough is recovering in Chinchilla Hospital while Constable Kirk has undergone surgery in Toowoomba Hospital.
“I went to the scene – it is confronting, as you can appreciate,” Ms Carroll said.
“In my opinion, those officers did not stand a chance. The fact that two got out alive is a miracle.”
Ms Carroll paid tribute to the team of officers who went in to retrieve the bodies of their fallen colleagues.
“Decisions need to be made very, very quickly,” she said.
“Those decisions were made
“When I think about what they did and how they did it, that too was extraordinarily brave … knowing they were going to be under fire.
“It is going to take us a number of days, if not weeks to unravel every single aspect of the scene.”
Ms Carroll said police were initially asked by NSW police to go to the property to check on a missing person.
“Two sets of officers went. Two from Chinchilla and two from Tara,” she said.
Ms Carroll said they were looking into what information was provided to the officers who went to check on the missing person.
“Certainly all police do risk assessments and those risk assessments were quite thorough and we will look at that in our investigation but certainly those risk assessments are done before we attend any jobs,” she said.
“There will be a thorough investigation.
“I will now go to where the incident centre is set up to get a full brief from investigators
but certainly I expect the processing of the scene will take days, if not weeks.”
Asked about the missing person, Ms Carroll said she was aware Mr Train had been missing for many months.
“We got a request from NSW that a person had been missing for a considerable period of time and then that request was given to the local police to go to this address to check on that missing person,” she said.
“I understand from my brief that that person had been missing for up to about 12 months but people had been in contact with him.
“However, that contact was lost in recent days and they just wanted to check on that missing person.”
Asked about the brutality of the executions of her officers, Ms Carroll said it was difficult to go into detail.
“The scene is unimaginable, it’s distressing and in my view, those officers did not stand a chance – and I don’t know how two got out alive.
“There was considerable, and I think we would all know this from just the messaging that’s going out, but there was considerable weaponry involved in what took place yesterday.”
Asked whether police were lured to the house in an ambush, Ms Carroll said “we don’t know any of that yet”.
She paid tribute to Constable Brough and Constable Kirk, describing their bravery as “just unbelievable”.
“To think they survived the scene, let alone then got out to make phone calls and call for assistance was just extraordinary,” she said.
“I will shortly meet with Keeley and I know that she’s talked people already through what took place and the people that I have spoken to cannot believe how she survived and what she did during that period of time.”
Ms Carroll said Special Emergency Response Team (SERT) officers did a “tremendous job”, but wouldn’t comment on specifics of the shootout.
“We do call SERT in for a reason, we call SERT where there is heavy fire, where there is a lot of ammunition, a lot of weaponry,” she said.
“And they were called in for a certain reason and I take my hat off to them, they did a tremendous job. That’s what they are there to do, they are specialist officers.
“I would say for them – just as it is for everyone else – what they had to do, the scene they were in, (it was) extraordinarily difficult and extraordinarily distressing.”
Ms Carroll confirmed a team of 16 officers went in to retrieve the bodies of their fallen colleagues.
“That too was bravery beyond belief,” she said.
“And I know that was also incredibly difficult and incredibly challenging and complex. I take my hat off to them.
“In essence when you are in situation like this you sometimes have to wait for those specialist officers.
“And decisions need to be made very, very quickly. And those decisions were made and they too – when I think about what they did and how they did it because I have been briefed on that as well – was extraordinarily brave.
“They had to get in there. That’s the first thing you think about is: ‘I need to get in to make an assessment. How are my officers? Are they still alive? What backup do we need?’.
“You have to get in there. And they did that extraordinarily well knowing that they were going to be under fire.”
Ms Carroll said it would take some time to fully understand the incident.
“As things unravel that quickly, in what is one of the most complex and horrendous environments you can be in, it is going to take us a number of days if not weeks to unravel every single aspect of the scene but (also) every single second of what took place,” she said
She said all three people killed by police are “considered offenders”.
Ms Carroll said the neighbour killed by the trio appeared to have been going to investigate after hearing or seeing something unusual.
“From what I understand, the neighbour was just going to see what was occurring and I’m not sure whether it was because of the fire or whether it was because of hearing weapons being shot but that neighbour, like my officers, didn’t stand a chance either,” she said.
Earlier reports described how Constable Brough was hiding in bushland as the offenders lit fires in an attempt to flush her out.
“I know there was many weapons and we need to work through that,” Ms Carroll said.
“But these are officers who every day go about their business in their small town to keep this community safe.
“What I saw walking, I walked the scene, up to the house, they just could not stand a chance in that environment.”
Ms Carroll said a thorough investigation would take place.
“We will go back, revisit every aspect of this, revisit every aspect of what we know about these people, how we responded, were they known to us. That really is the start of the investigation.
“But I’ve got to say, from what I have seen, they didn’t stand a chance.
“But the response after that was excellent.”
She thanked all Queensland police officers who served the community every day.
“To all of the officers that are involved in this, my heart goes out to you,” she said.
“But particularly to Matt, to Rachel and family: I am so sorry for what has happened here.
“If we could have prevented it, done more, I’m sure every officer here would have done that.
“Our condolences, our sympathies and I know all Queenslanders are thinking about you as well.”
A Tara woman who spoke with Constable Arnold prior to him attending the Wieambilla property has told of the heartache of discovering he had been murdered in cold blood.
“I had just spoken to Matt (Constable Matthew Arnold) before he went out on the job – he’d helped me out with a few things before.
“He was a good guy. Couldn’t have gotten a better police officer. He’s truly going to be missed.”
“It’s very sad. It’s a really sad day today.” “It was a cowardly act. I’m glad they got what was coming to them (assailants).
Tara resident Chaseley Gibbons said Constable Arnold was a “respectful, really nice, young man”.
Ms Gibbons said the “close-knit family” of Tara was “heartbroken”.
“I’ve been here all my life, 44 years, and this is the first time that anything like this has rocked our town – it’s a big loss.”
A minute's silence has been held at Tara and Chinchilla police stations this afternoon.
Another local resident, David Maynard, described the shooting as a “senseless attack”.
Mr Maynard said just days earlier Nathaniel had congratulated him outside the Tara FoodWorks about a local community nomination.
“We were talking about horses and how he had three that he wanted relocated – I told him to inbox me but he never did – that was about two or three days ago,” he said.
“The person I saw the other day compared to what happened yesterday – it just doesn’t make sense. It’s a senseless crime against people who were just doing their job, going to a welfare check.”
Mr Maynard, a former first responder, said the shooting has “brought the town together for the worst reasons”.
He said police officers had been unable to walk back into the Tara station.
A statement released by police said both injured officers were recovering in hospital.
“Our sincerest condolences go out to the family and friends of those involved at this tragic and difficult time,” the statement said.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, paying respect to the slain police officers, said the tragedy was “horrific” and the two constables were “so young”
“Sometimes we take our police for granted,” she said.
“Sometimes we forget the risk that they take, every, every single day.
“(This is an) absolutely horrific, horrific incident, and our hearts just break for these two beautiful young officers who were just doing their job.”
The Premier said other leaders had reached out to offer their condolences.
“I also want to thank New South Wales premier who also reached out today offering his condolences to two officers that were tragically killed as it was a request from the New South Wales Police (that they visit the property),” she said.
“So deep condolences today, it is an absolutely horrific, horrific incident.
“And our hearts just break when these two beautiful young officers were just doing their job…”.
Flags across Queensland’s government buildings will fly at half mast and the Story Bridge will be lit blue and white in honour of the fallen officers.
Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers, speaking on Tuesday morning, said the officers “paid the ultimate sacrifice” by simply doing their job.
“They were both amazing people who were well respected by their colleagues and those who were close to them,” he said.
“I spoke with Matthew’s father last night. It’s hard to know what to say. He was devastated and still processing what was occurring and our thoughts go out to Matthew’s parents and Rachel’s family as well.
“I know around Queensland flowers are being delivered to many police stations and the public support that is continuing to flow in really makes a difference for hardworking men and women of police, not only in Queensland but right across Australia.
“That support means so much to us and we will continue to do our job and we will be responding to calls for service today and tomorrow and continuing to look after the community because that is in our DNA.”
Mr Leavers said the union would “ensure their memories are never forgotten”.
“They will be honoured,” he said.
“No police officer ever wants to go on the memorial wall but sadly Matthew and Rachel, their memory will be honoured.
“And on our police remembrance wall at the Botanical Gardens in Brisbane, their names will be added, as it will be in our national capital in Canberra. So they will never be forgotten.
“We will remember the courage and their diligence and their sense of community that they displayed and they put their lives on the line.”
Mr Leavers said the tragedy was even worse as it came into the festive season.
“It’s even worse because families come together,” he said.
“I can only think for Matthew and Rachel’s families and close colleagues the hurt and the pain they are going to go through as we lead into Christmas which is only 12 days away.”
Mr Leavers said there was a ripple effect across Australia and New Zealand after police tragedies.
“This brings back memories to those who have lost loved ones in the past,” he said.
“And I only this morning got a message from a widow who lost her husband over 30 years ago. And can I say it’s just as raw over 30 years ago as it is today.”
Ms Carroll, addressing the media Monday night before the firefight end, had paid tribute to those killed earlier in the day.
“While we are yet to learn the full extent of what has occurred today we do know this event is extraordinarily distressing on many levels,” Ms Carroll said.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to officers’ families, friends and colleagues.
“Our thoughts are with them during this extremely difficult time. Those officers paid the ultimate sacrifice to keep our community safe.
“I would like to also pay tribute to all police and first responders who assisted at the scene and are continuing to respond this evening. Tragically this is the largest loss of life we have suffered in one single incident in recent times.”
Ms Carroll said it was devastating news that would be “deeply felt across Queensland”.
“It is sadly a reminder of the unpredictable nature of policing and the incredible dangers our officers face while protecting our community.
“I know the days and weeks ahead will be particularly difficult for families and the police family.
“We are an organisation in mourning tonight and at the appropriate time we will honour the sacrifice these officers have made for us.”
“Our priority right now is to ensure those responsible are brought to justice and that family, friends and colleagues of the officers involved are being supported as much as possible,” she said.
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.
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) December 12, 2022
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese tweeted on Monday night: “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.”
Federal Opposition leader Peter Dutton also expressed his condolences on social media.
“Deeply distressing news coming out of western Queensland tonight with those police who have been murdered,” he tweeted.
“Police officers face danger every day to keep us from it.”
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk tweeted that her deepest respects to the officers’ 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,” Ms Palaszczuk tweeted.
Police Minister Mark Ryan said “again the hearts of Queenslanders break”.
“They break again tonight,” Mr Ryan said.
“This is a tragedy on so many levels.
“And the thoughts of all of us are with the police family tonight. This is a traumatic, confronting and devastating event for our community.
“The Queensland Police Service has lost two heroes tonight. And I express my sincere condolences to their family, friends and colleagues and the entire police family.
“These officers served with honour and we will always remember their sacrifice in service of our community.”
Western Downs Mayor Cr Paul McVeigh last night said he had been briefed on the shooting and was devastated to hear of the losses.
“To have a shooting like this, a tragedy like this, will rock our whole community,” he said.
“It’s an absolute tragedy to have this happening in our small community.
“Our concerns and our sympathies are with those who are involved.”
Tara resident David Maynard, described the shooting as a “senseless attack”.
Mr Maynard said just days earlier Nathaniel had congratulated him outside the Tara FoodWorks about a local community nomination.
“We were talking about horses and how he had three that he wanted relocated – I told him to inbox me but he never did – that was about two or three days ago,” he said.
“The person I saw the other day compared to what happened yesterday – it just doesn’t make sense.”
“It’s a senseless crime against people who were just doing their job, going to a welfare check.”
Mr Maynard, a former first responder, said the shooting has “brought the town together for the worst reasons”.
He said police officers have been unable to walk back into the Tara station.
An emergency declaration was made at 6.11pm under the Public Safety Preservation Act (PSPA).
The police service told people to avoid the area and two LifeFlight choppers were dispatched to attend the scene.
“Wains Road is closed, and the declaration zone encompasses the area between Chinchilla Tara Rd, Wieambilla Rd, Bennetts School Rd, and Mary Street. Residents within the declared areas must remain indoors until further notice, and motorists and pedestrians are advised to avoid the area,” the declaration states.
Residents living within the locked down area earlier described it as scary, with very little information coming through.
One woman, who wished to remain anonymous, said the only information she has received is via her neighbours.
“We are locked inside with all the doors and windows shut,” the woman said.
“We didn’t hear the gunshots and all we can hear is the choppers.”
We haven’t spoken to any police, we are just reading the news and getting updated that way.
“It is really worrying, scary and heartbreaking.”
Nearby Coal Seam Gas workers were notified by email to avoid the area.
Wieambilla has a population of about 100 people and is about 300km from Brisbane.
The Queensland Police union has established a sanctioned remembrance fund for Constable Matthew Arnold and Constable Rachel McCrow.
For those who may wish to contribute the details are:
Arnold & McCrow Remembrance Fund
BSB: 704052
Account: 100 211 820
Ref: your name
Please note QBANK members are able to use the above details and the system will update it to say 387175 S1.6
Originally published as Three shot dead by police after two officers, member of public killed in ambush
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