Sovereign Citizen Freeman Captured After 7-Month Manhunt

0:00It's April 3rd. This is Global News Today, powered by AI bringing you what matters globally. Desi Freeman, the sovereign citizen and conspiracy theorist also known as Desmond Philby, vanished into the Victorian bush near Poropunca, back in. August, after gunning down two police officers at his home, they were there investigating old child sex abuse claims. For seven months, one of Australia's biggest manhunts turned of nothing, and just weeks ago cops said they strongly believed he was dead in those mountains. Monday morning, police ended that chapter with a pre-donned raid on a remote farm in Tholo-Galong, right on the Victoria, New South Wales border. They'd staked out his makeshift camp in old shipping containers for over 24 hours. Around 8.30 local time, Freeman emerged armed with a gun stolen from those slain officers and got taken down by sniper fire after refusing to. Surrender peacefully. Cops in the tiny town of 22 souls were stunned, especially the elderly farmer whose land he

1:01squatted on. Graffiti popped up with Freeman's name nearby, but folks where no one local hid him, everyone knows everyone's business there, from pub chats to footy, games. His family had condemned his actions from the start and thought he was gone for good. His wife was shocked by the news. Cops now suspect Freeman didn't trek the rugged 150 km solo through freezing winters and scorching summers, he likely had help, from sovereign citizen sympathizers. The camp showed fresh signs like installed air ducts, three camp chairs, and an open beer box, hinting others were around recently, maybe during, January bushfires when shoppers buzzed overhead. Experts figure he'll never spill on his backers, and police hint some details might stay buried forever as they chase any accomplices. Closure for some, but those big questions about his hideout network linger in the air.