Queensland’s state coroner has concluded that the 2022 ambush and murder of Constables Matthew Arnold and Rachel McCrow at a rural property in Wieambilla was not an act of religious terrorism. The attackers—Nathaniel, Gareth, and Stacey Train—were found to be religious fanatics and conspiracy theorists, but acted “defensively within their delusional framework” to protect themselves and their property.
The officers were on a routine visit to check on a missing person when they were ambushed with high-powered rifles and shotguns. A neighbor, Alan Dare, also died during the attack. Police eventually fatally shot the three attackers during the ensuing siege.
Coroner Terry Ryan noted that Australia’s legal definition of terrorism, established in 2002, is narrow and may not reflect contemporary security risks. The inquest revealed that Gareth Train had long-held anti-government and conspiracy views, which intensified during isolation and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The inquiry also highlighted lapses in communication from New South Wales police and recommended ten measures to improve officer safety, including increased use of drones for risk assessment in remote areas.
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