Coronial Inquest: Ambush in Wieambilla

A police officer recounted a deadly ambush by extremists on a rural Australian property in 2022 during a coroner's inquest. The attackers, members of the Train family, targeted police officers, resulting in six deaths, including the officers and a neighbor. The inquest aims to determine the legality of the Train family's weapons and police preparedness.

A police officer provided a gripping testimony this Tuesday about a deadly ambush on a rural Australian property in the Wieambilla region. The incident occurred on December 12, 2022, when two police officers were killed by three Christian extremists who harbored intense hatred for law enforcement.

Constable Randall Kirk described the chaotic scene to the coroner's inquest, detailing how he was also shot during the melee. His colleagues, Constable Matthew Arnold and Constable Rachel McCrow, became the initial victims. The coroner was informed that the attackers were brothers Gareth and Nathaniel Train, along with Gareth's wife Stacey. The trio had a history of conspiracy theories and held anti-police views.

The ongoing inquest, led by State Coroner Terry Ryan, is scrutinizing the circumstances leading to the fatal encounter. Key points of investigation include the legality of the attackers' firearms and the adequacy of police training. The proceedings, held in Brisbane, are expected to last for five weeks as the court delves into the psychiatric conditions and motivations that led to the tragedy.

(With inputs from agencies.)