Full Story What went wrong at Wieambilla
Nov 23, 2025
Andrew Messinger, a Queensland state reporter for The Guardian, offers a deep dive into the Wieambilla shootings. He reveals the coroner's findings that the Train family acted out of shared delusions rather than terrorism. Messinger discusses the police's unpreparedness and the tactical advantages of the shooters. He highlights Keely Brough's survival story and calls for mental health checks linked to firearm licenses. The conversation raises pressing questions about online extremism and the importance of monitoring such minds to prevent future tragedies.
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Ambush And Police Losses
- Four Queensland police officers entered the Wieambilla property and two were shot dead in a hidden ambush prepared months earlier.
- The officers were outgunned and had no warning, making escape or defense virtually impossible.
000 Operator's Remote Courage
- Constable Keely Brough hid for hours and spent two hours on the phone with a triple zero operator who stayed with her remotely.
- The 000 operator displayed extraordinary care despite having no tactical training.
Weapon Superiority Created Tactical Gap
- The Trains used high-powered scoped rifles that outmatched police pistols and vehicle protection.
- Their weapons were so powerful they could penetrate body armour and damage police vehicles, creating lethal tactical imbalance.