Police in Ireland have launched a terror probe after a priest was stabbed outside an army barracks late on August 15.
Father Paul F Murphy, an army chaplain, was reportedly stabbed multiple times at Renmore Barracks in Galway.
Members of Ireland’s Defence Forces on duty at the barracks are thought to have intervened, firing multiple warning shots in an attempt to stop the attack. They, alongside members of Ireland’s An Garda Síochána police force, were reportedly able to stop the attack and apprehend a suspect, described as being a 16-year-old male.
According to local media, police believe that the assault may have been in relation to the Defence Force’s peacekeeping activities abroad, and that the arrested individual was reported to have links to the UK.
We encourage everyone to independently verify the details that they may read online or receive through messaging apps in reference to this incident.
Thank you. pic.twitter.com/AweE4okc2O
— Garda Info (@gardainfo) August 16, 2024
“At approximately 10:45pm last night [police officers] including members of the Garda Armed Support Unit, responded to an incident of assault which occurred at Renmore Barracks, Galway,” a social media account belonging to the Irish police force confirmed.
“A thorough investigation is underway and being progressed by the Special Detective Unit within An Garda Síochána. One line of enquiry is to establish if this attack had a terrorism motivation.
“We wish to assure you that at this time, it is not believed that this incident is part of a wider conspiracy,” the force added.
The Defence Forces insisted that its soldiers acted “in strict accordance with established force protection protocols” in dealing with the incident.
“The swift and decisive response by our personnel last night was exemplary, and in keeping with the highest standards of the Defence Forces and our values,” said the force’s Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy.
“Their professionalism ensured that a dangerous situation was quickly brought under control, protecting the lives of others in the vicinity.
“There is no doubt that their actions were critical in preventing further harm or loss of life,” he added.
Fr Murphy is reported to have posted on social media thanking wellwishers for their ” prayers, love, and concern.”
“I’m doing okay; just awaiting surgery,” he wrote on August 16.
“All will be well.”
Israel has warned Ireland that its decision to officially recognise Palestine will hurt the Irish economy. https://t.co/oDrWq3wV9F
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