Police Commissioner rejects hero claims for fugitive Tom Phillips
Tuesday 9 September 2025 · 5 outlets · 3 reports · updated In this story Richard Chambers
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers has dismissed descriptions of fugitive Tom Phillips as a hero following his death on Monday. Phillips was shot dead after critically wounding a Waikato district officer during a confrontation. The injured officer is currently unable to open his eyes but remains in hospital.
How they headlined it
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NZ Herald
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The Press via The Post
Tom Philips was no hero, Police Commissioner says (opens in new tab)
Also on Stuff (opens in new tab), The Post (opens in new tab), Waikato Times (opens in new tab)
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Stuff
More on Tom Phillips search and inquiry
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- Tom Phillips' firearms licence revoked before second disappearance+3
- Hearing on media injunction for Tom Phillips investigation concludes
- Media challenge reporting restrictions on Tom Phillips case in High Court+4
- Public inquiry announced into handling of Tom Phillips case
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