After a December 2022 shooting in the rural suburb of Wieambilla, Queensland, U.S. prosecutors have revealed new evidence linking an American man to the fatal attack on two Australian police officers. The man, identified as Donald Day Jr., allegedly sent messages of encouragement to the family responsible for the ambush before they engaged in a gunfight with a tactical response team.
Queensland Wieambilla Shootings
On 12 December 2022, two Constables, a male and female, were tragically shot by two people after the officers arrived at a rural property in Wieambilla. A neighbour was also killed during the incident.
The investigation into the incident has extended across international borders, with new information surfacing regarding the involvement of the Arizona man prosecutors allege communicated with the shooters before and after the killings, offering his “comfort and assurance” in support of their actions.
Day is alleged to have sent further messages stating, “I tell you, family, that those bastards will regret that they ever f***ed with us… anything that is within my range to do for you, I will not hesitate.”
Legal Proceedings in the U.S.
These communications form part of the federal case being built against Day, who was arrested in December 2023. He has been charged with five federal offences, including:
- interstate threats;
- threatening an FBI agent; and
- illegal possession of firearms.
Day has pleaded not guilty to the charges. The court has ordered both prosecutors and defence to provide jury selection questions, with a trial date pending.
Day’s connection to the Wieambilla shootings stems from his alleged promotion of a “Christian end-of-days ideology” known as premillennialism. Prosecutors claim that he repeatedly communicated this ideology to the family between May 2021 and December 2022.
International Investigations
The matter highlights the complex nature of international criminal investigations, particularly when crimes span across borders. With U.S. authorities continuing to build their case, and an upcoming inquest in Queensland, both Australian and U.S. legal systems will play pivotal roles in determining the full extent of the actions and influences that led to the fatal shootings in Wieambilla.
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