Residents in a northern Canberra suburb were ordered to stay inside their homes for their own safety on Christmas Eve, as a major police operation unfolded in response to a person reportedly armed with a gun.
Heavily Armed Police Swarm Whitlam Street
The incident occurred on Hazel Hawkes Avenue in the suburb of Whitlam on the evening of Wednesday, December 24, 2025. Eyewitnesses reported seeing heavily armed police officers taking up positions with their weapons drawn. One witness stated they clearly heard police commands for an individual to "drop the gun."
The street was completely closed off to the public as the operation intensified. Approximately a dozen police units and two fire trucks converged on the area. A police officer stationed at a roadblock warned approaching media that the situation was not safe and instructed them to take cover.
Police Direct Residents to Shelter In Place
ACT Policing issued an official safety alert to residents in the Whitlam area, instructing them to remain indoors and follow all police directions. The alert specifically addressed residents who were attempting to return home, advising them to comply with instructions at established roadblocks.
"An ACT Policing operation is currently under way in Whitlam following an incident earlier this afternoon," a police spokeswoman confirmed. "Residents of Whitlam are advised to remain indoors and to please follow police direction as roadblocks are in place. Anyone who is not returning to their homes is asked to avoid the area."
Earlier on Wednesday, locals had reported seeing uniformed officers involved in activity at a specific residence in the neighbourhood, suggesting the police response had been building throughout the day.
Person of Interest Taken Into Custody
ACT Policing has since confirmed that a person of interest has been taken into custody. This development marked a significant de-escalation of the tense situation. Police indicated that the community would be notified once the operation had fully concluded and the area was deemed safe.
The incident caused significant disruption in the quiet suburb during the Christmas period, with the heavy police presence and street closures drawing considerable local attention. Authorities have not released further details regarding the nature of the initial incident or the identity of the individual taken into custody.
