Australian police launch investigation into extremist views of officer killers

Australian authorities are investigating the extremist views of three people who shot and killed two officers and a neighbour at a rural property before they were killed hours later by police in a gunfight.

Investigators will look at the possible extremist links of the killers after a series of posts underthenameofgarethtrain, one of the murderers identified in the wake of Monday's deadly shootout, were found on conspiracytheoryforums,queenslandpolicecommissionerkatarina Carroll said.

The posts include references to anti-vaccine sentiments and claimsotherhigh-profileshootings were hoaxes or false-flag operations.

"It's very difficult at the moment for us to reason with what has happened. There are no obvious reasons," Ms Carroll said.

But she said she has no doubt that over the coming days and weeks, police will come back with some insight into the events which unfolded.

Research and surveys show belief in conspiracy theories is common and widespread.

Believers are more likely to to get their information from social media than professional news organisations.

The rise and fall of particular conspiracy theories are often linked to real-world events and social, economic or technological change.

Mscarrollsaideverypossible motive for the killings is being examined, including whether it was a premeditated attack on the officers.

"Someofthestuffthat'sonline fromthesepeople,wewillinvestigate what they have been doing not only in recent weeks but in recent years, who they've beeninteractingwith,"shesaid.

Four officers arrived at the property in the town of Wieambilla, in Queensland, to investigatereportsofamissingperson.

Theywalkedintoahailofgunfire, Ms Carroll said, and it was a miracle two officers managed to escape and raise the alarm.

Those killed were Pcs Matthew Arnold, 26, and Rachel

Mccrow,29,alongwith58-yearold neighbour Alan Dare.

One of the officers who escaped, Pc Randall Kirk, 28, was recovering at a hospital from shrapnel wounds yesterday.

He said he and his wife wantedtothankeverybody"fromthe prime minister down" for their messages of support.

"I'm feeling fine, just a little sore. My main thoughts are with the other police families at this awful time," Mr Kirk said in a statement released by the police union.

"It means a lot to know the community cares for us all."

Prime minister Anthony Albanese earlier told reporters the country is mourning with those affected.

"We know that this news has fallen hard on a close-knit and caringqueenslandcommunity. As well as, of course, the communitytowhichallpoliceofficers belong," he said, adding that officers across the nation know the risks they face, yet do their duty.

"And today and every day I pay tribute to each and every one of the police officers who serve their local communities andwhoservetheirnation,"mr Albanese said.

In all, six people died in the shooting. The killers have been identifiedasformerheadteachernathanieltrain,47,hisbrother Gareth, 46, and sister-in-law Stacey, 45.