Wieambilla Shooting: Coroner‘s Findings Expected Today in Case Police Labeled ‘Christian Terrorism’
Coroner Terry Ryan is set to release his findings today, Friday, regarding the 2022 Wieambilla shooting in Queensland, a tragedy that left two police officers and a neighbor dead. the inquest examined the events leading up to the fatal confrontation with the Train family – Gareth, Stacey, and Nathaniel – and whether authorities coudl have foreseen the attack. Queensland Police have characterized the shooting as Australia’s first instance of Christian terrorism,a designation central to the inquiry.
The findings will address critical questions surrounding the motivations of the Train family, the actions of the Special Emergency response Team during the shootout, and whether any warning signs where missed by law enforcement.The inquest also considered the role of Donald Day Jr., an Arizona-based man who recently pleaded guilty to a firearms offense, and his connection to the Trains. The outcome of the coroner’s examination could lead to recommendations aimed at preventing similar tragedies and refining police responses to potential extremist threats.
The inquest heard evidence from Deputy Commissioner Cheryl Scanlon supporting the police assessment of the Trains as terrorists. Ryan has been tasked with evaluating nine key questions, including a detailed analysis of the killers’ profiles and motivations, and whether authorities possessed information indicating a potential for lethal violence.
A map detailing the location of Wieambilla in Queensland is available here.
