Gardaí are conducting an investigation into a shooting in County Carlow this evening, which resulted in the death of a man and left a child injured, reports RTE.
While full details are still emerging, it appears the man fired several shots inside the Tesco store at Fairgreen Shopping Centre around 6.15pm.
The man died from what are believed to be self-inflicted gunshot wounds, reports RTE.
He has been identified by gardaí as a white Irish male.
A young girl suffered minor injuries during the event. Paramedics treated her at the scene, and she later returned home with her family, r r
Gardaí said it remains unclear how the girl came to be injured.
The shopping centre was cleared of people, and the area has been sealed off by gardaí. The cordon will stay in place overnight.
A broader security sweep of the surrounding area is also being carried out by gardaí, reports RTE.
As a precaution, the Army Bomb Disposal Unit was brought in due to concerns the man might have had an explosive device.
His body remains at the location and will only be removed once authorities confirm the area is safe, r r
Gardaí have confirmed there is no further threat to public safety.
Taoiseach Michéal Martin shared his reaction, saying he is “deeply shocked and saddened at the shooting incident in Carlow this evening”, r r
In a message on X, he stated: “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 RTE.
Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris also expressed his sympathy.
In a statement, he said: “I understand a young child has been hurt and I join with people across our country in thinking of them and their family tonight. I am also thinking of all those who witnessed this situation and the awful shock and upset it must have caused them. I know their families and communities will rally to support them. This is a live garda investigation with the support of members of the Army Bomb Disposal Unit. I have been in touch with the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy, in relation to this incident and the assistance our Defence Forces are providing,” reports RTE.
Mr Harris added: “It’s important now that our gardaí can carry out this investigation thoroughly.”
Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan offered his condolences to those affected, reports RTE.
In a 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,” added Mr O’Callaghan, reports RTE.
Gardaí are asking the public not to share videos of the incident on social media and instead to submit any footage to Carlow Garda Station.
Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact Carlow Garda Station at 059-9136620 or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, reports RTE.
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