SW News:

In Australia, Queensland police minister Mark Ryan prayed to St Michael the Archangel while remembering the two young police officers who were shot dead in Wieambilla, near Brisbane. He mentioned that St Michael is known as the patron saint of police officers before uttering the prayer. 

Six people, including two young police officers, lost their lives in a shooting spree that took place in Wieambilla on Monday, December 12. The murdered police constables Matthew Arnold and Rachel McCrow, were at the spot looking for a missing person when the incident took place. 

Two other police officers also were injured in the unexpected shooting incident. According to reports, three individuals were involved in the attack. “Three people at the property, a 46-year-old Kewarra Beach man, a 47-year-old Wieambilla man and a 45-year-old Wieambilla woman, were fatally shot by specialist police at the scene around 10.30 pm,” Queensland police said. 

The department said that the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the deaths, would be investigated by them with the assistance of homicide detectives. 

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tributes to the shooting victims. “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,” the prime minister tweeted following the incident.