The man involved in the supermarket shooting in Carlow town on Sunday has been identified locally as Evan Fitzgerald, reports Breaking News.
Fitzgerald had previously been arrested along with two other individuals last year by gardaí on suspicion of offences related to firearms and explosive devices.
At the time of Sunday’s shooting, he was out on bail, reports Breaking News.
He is believed to have been 22 years old and from Kiltegan, located along the Wicklow and Carlow county border.
On Monday, gardaí confirmed that no officers discharged their firearms during the incident, reports Breaking News.
Later that evening, they confirmed the man’s body had been removed from the scene and transported to Dublin, where the State Pathologist will perform a post-mortem on Tuesday.
Though the technical examination of the car park has concluded, the scene remains under Garda control, and the Fairgreen Shopping Centre is still closed, reports Breaking News.
However, people who had to leave their cars in the shopping centre’s car park are now being allowed to retrieve them. Only those with vehicles left behind will be granted access.
Witnesses say the man had been walking through the retail complex firing a shotgun into the air.
Assistant Garda Commissioner Paula Hilman explained that the suspect, a white Irish male in his 20s, took his own life outside the Fairgreen Shopping Centre after being confronted by armed gardaí, reports Breaking News.
Ms Hilman described Sunday evening’s events as a “terrifying experience” for customers who ran for safety once the shooting began inside the centre.
Speaking at Carlow Garda Station on Monday, she confirmed that nobody was struck by gunfire during the incident.
However, a young girl suffered a minor leg injury after falling while trying to escape the area, reports Breaking News.
Later that night, gardaí sealed off Fitzgerald’s residence in Kiltegan and conducted thorough searches of the property.
An incident room has been set up at Carlow Garda Station, with a senior officer assigned to lead the investigation, reports Breaking News.
A family liaison officer has been designated to support Fitzgerald’s family, according to gardaí.
They are appealing to anyone who may have video footage of the incident to refrain from sharing it online or through messaging apps and to instead submit it to Carlow Garda Station, reports Breaking News.
Additionally, anyone with relevant information is asked to contact Carlow Garda Station at 059-9136620 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
The army bomb disposal team has concluded its inspection of the site where Sunday’s shooting took place in Carlow town, reports Breaking News.
Gardaí have confirmed that the area is now under control, and there is no ongoing risk to public safety.
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan shared a message of support for those affected by the incident.
In his statement, Mr O’Callaghan said: “My thoughts are with everyone affected by the shooting and the community and families impacted, including those working at the scene. This is something we never want or expect to happen in our communities. Gun violence is very rare in Ireland, and I am determined that will remain the case,” reports Breaking News.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin expressed that he was “deeply shocked and saddened” by the shooting.
Posting on X, he wrote: “My thoughts are with the families affected and the local community in Carlow after what was a very serious and traumatic incident. I urge anyone who has information to speak to the gardaí,” reports Breaking News.
Tell us your thoughts in the Facebook post and share this with your friends.
