Victoria
Police investigate bullet left on Victorian minister's car
Victoria Police are investigating after Emergency Services Minister Paul Edbrooke found a bullet inscribed with the word "RAT" on his car.
Victorian police have launched an investigation after a bullet inscribed with the word "RAT" was discovered on the car of a state government minister. Emergency Services Minister Paul Edbrooke found the ammunition on his vehicle on Saturday, prompting immediate safety concerns.
The incident, which was first detailed in a wire report, has sparked an active police response as officers attempt to determine who left the bullet and the motive behind targeting the member of parliament. Mr Edbrooke, who worked as a professional firefighter for many years before entering Victorian state politics, has not yet released a detailed public statement regarding the matter.
Details surrounding the targeted incident remain thin, with Victoria Police yet to release further information about the exact location where the vehicle was parked on Saturday. It is not yet confirmed by authorities if the car was parked at Mr Edbrooke's electorate office, his private residence, or another public venue when the ammunition was left on the vehicle.
The inscription of the word "RAT" on the ammunition is expected to form a key part of the forensic inquiry. Authorities have not yet released information about the calibre of the bullet, whether it was a live round of ammunition, or if it was accompanied by any other written threats or suspicious packages.
The Victorian Government has also declined to comment on whether additional security measures will be introduced for the minister or other parliamentarians as a result of the incident, or if any previous threats had been made against Mr Edbrooke.
Investigators are expected to review local CCTV footage and conduct forensic testing on the bullet to identify potential suspects.
This report draws on original reporting by Wire report.
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