July 31st 2024.
The senior officer in charge of handling the chaotic aftermath of the Wieambilla police shootings is scheduled to testify at a coronial inquest. This tragic incident, which took place on December 12, 2022, resulted in the deaths of six individuals, including two police officers. It all began with an arrest warrant that quickly turned into a violent ambush by unknown assailants armed with powerful rifles at a remote property in Queensland.
Constables Matthew Arnold and Rachel McCrow were fatally shot at 4:37 pm while walking up the driveway of Gareth and Stacey Train's property. They were accompanied by two other officers, with the intention of locating Nathaniel Train. The court was shown a chilling video of the victims' final moments, which added to the gravity of the situation. As the inquest entered its fourth day, State Coroner Terry Ryan heard that then-Inspector Wayne Rasmussen was appointed as the Forward Commander at 4:47 pm, following reports of the two officers being shot and killed.
Today, Rasmussen is expected to take the stand at the Brisbane Coroners Court for the fourth day of the five-week inquest. Acting Superintendent Timothy Mowle of the Queensland Police had tasked Rasmussen with leading a forward command post near the scene of the incident. Counsel assisting Ruth O'Gorman informed the coroner that both senior officers would be giving crucial testimony about the decisions made on that fateful evening.
One of the critical decisions made by Rasmussen was to approve a rescue mission for Constable Keely Brough, who was in grave danger of being shot or burned alive by a fire set by the Trains in an attempt to flush her out. As Rasmussen took command, a resident of Wieambilla, Alan Dare, was fatally shot by the Trains after he went to investigate the fire. Kerry Dare, Alan's wife, testified yesterday and revealed that Rasmussen was the one who confirmed her husband's death.
At 9:05 pm, Rasmussen handed over command of the scene to the Police Special Emergency Response Team. However, the standoff with the Trains continued, as they refused to negotiate and opened fire on police helicopters and an armored vehicle. Eventually, at 10:41 pm, all three Trains were fatally shot by SERT officers, bringing an end to the violent and chaotic situation.
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