00:00I confirm that this morning Victoria Police, as the result of an operation in the north-east of Victoria,
00:09fatally shot a man as a result of the operation into the shooting of two police officers.
00:18Whilst it's being reported that person is Desmond Freeman,
00:23we have to run through a very formal identification process.
00:30So Victoria Police at this stage will not confirm the identity of that person until that process has been undertaken.
00:39The operation concluded this morning following an operation that has been ongoing since 26 August last year.
00:52The operation was conducted by our professionals, members of our special operations group and Task Force Summit investigators.
01:06Whilst there will be a professional standards command and a coroner's hearing into this matter,
01:13everything I know at this point tells me that this shooting was justified.
01:24As I said, the operation was conducted by professionals from Victoria Police.
01:33The very first people to be made aware of the outcome of this operation were the families of the officers
01:43tragically killed on the 26th of August
01:46and all of the members that were involved on that day.
01:51What I can say, should it be confirmed that the deceased is Freeman,
02:00this brings closure to what was a tragic and terrible event.
02:09I would also like to acknowledge at this point the investigation team for their absolute professionalism,
02:19perseverance, persistence and diligence and bringing this to a conclusion.
02:28We are privileged to have these investigators as part of Victoria Police and they were ably assisted by the entire
02:41organisation.
02:42I would also like to acknowledge our partners, every jurisdiction across Australia and New Zealand assisted in this operation.
02:54And as I stand here, I have the lead investigators for this matter and I would just like to acknowledge
03:00and thank them for their leadership,
03:03again, in bringing this to a conclusion.
03:07I would also like to acknowledge the community of Port Punkah and the surrounding area,
03:14for their patience and their perseverance also.
03:23This has had impact right across that part of Victoria.
03:30People have felt unsafe.
03:32We've done everything we can to assure them.
03:35But for them, this should bring this to a conclusion.
03:42Just in closing, I would like to say it's early days in terms of this phase of the investigation.
03:49There's lots to be done.
03:51We will keep the public, via the media, updated about how this matter unfolds and is concluded.
04:01And I want to thank you for your support and attention during this tough time.
04:09It's over six months.
04:11And again, acknowledge the investigation team for their persistence and perseverance.
04:19And again, seminary changes to what going on could do.
04:21But again, this is for aÃœNK four thousand.
04:22You guys are young.
04:22And half you guys are angry at my job.
04:22And let me ask you for your support.
04:22And, and I say a little bit of colours, sir.
04:22I don't like you guys to bear with me.
04:22You
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