Overview

• Victoria Police confirmed stills and video of the pre‑shooting standoff were recorded by a family member, not body‑worn cameras, and called their release distressing.
• The search has reached day 16–17 with about 450 officers and ADF support combing Mount Buffalo bushland and new zones near Porepunkah Airfield, with no verified sightings since August 26.
• Authorities urged people to stay away from the area, warning Freeman is believed to be armed with weapons taken from the scene and poses a significant risk.
• More than 1000 tips have been received, including nearly 200 since the reward was announced, as police keep open whether Freeman is being assisted, is alone in the bush, or is deceased.
• The parents of Senior Constable Vadim de Waart‑Hottart visited the command post in the High Country, which police said provided an emotional boost to search teams.