Priest (52) recovering in hospital after attack late last nightWarning shots fired into the air by members of the armed forces to prevent suspected cleric from further injuringBoy (17) arrested in connection with attack
The 52-year-old priest suffered a number of serious injuries to his arms in the incident which took place outside Renmore Barracks in Galway at around 11pm last night, but his injuries are not life-threatening.
Members of the armed forces fired several warning shots last night in an attempt to prevent the teenage suspect from further injuring the spiritual counselor.
“Appropriate safeguards have been put in place in this incident,” a source told the Irish Independent.
Several shots were fired into the air before three members of the armed forces managed to wrestle the suspect to the ground and arrest him. The police armed support unit arrived on the scene shortly afterwards.
A 17-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the serious attack and is currently being questioned at a Galway police station.
The arrested 17-year-old is an Irish national.
Today's News in 90 Seconds – August 16
According to sources, police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.
The wounded chaplain worked for decades with the Irish Defence Forces and has served on a number of missions abroad.
According to military sources, the attack has caused “huge shock” as the chaplain is “very highly regarded and well-known” within the organisation.
In his statement, Tánaiste Micheál Martin condemned the attack.
“I condemn the violent attack on Renmore Barracks last night,” the Fianna Fáil leader said on X.
“I would like to compliment the members of the armed forces who were serving at the time. Their intervention was crucial.
“Our thoughts are with the member of the armed forces injured in the attack,” he added.
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The Gardai issued a statement about the incident this morning.
Police are investigating an attack that took place at Renmore Army Barracks in Galway on Thursday 15 August 2024.
Gardaí, including members of the Garda Armed Support Unit, responded to the incident at around 10.45pm.
“A man (50) suffered a number of stab wounds during the incident. He was taken to University Hospital Galway for treatment for injuries that are serious but not life-threatening.
“A male youth (teenage) was detained by members of the armed forces and arrested at the scene by Gardaí.
The male youth is currently being held at a police station in the Northwest region.
“The crime scene has currently been preserved and a technical examination will be carried out today by the Divisional Scenes of Crime Unit.
“The investigation is still ongoing,” a spokesperson said.
More to come…