DUBLIN: A man in his 40s was arrested yesterday evening following a gunshot incident in Dublin in which two garda officers were injured. The incident took place after 7.30pm yesterday at a home in Whitechapel Grove in Blanchardstown.
According to reports, the gardai were summoned to a house and shots were fired at them. Gardai with leg and arm injuries were brought to Connolly Memorial Hospital after being treated at the scene. Both injured officers are said to be well in the hospital. It is reported that no one else was injured in the incident.
The situation calmed down after officials from the Emergency Response Unit and trained contractors arrived at the scene. After two hours of conversation with them, the attacker agreed to come out of the house and was arrested and is now being held at Blanchardstown Garda Station under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act.
He can be interrogated for up to three days. Gardai officers say the arrested offender was involved in a number of serious crimes.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he was shocked to learn that two gardaí were injured in the incident. “I wish both Gardaí a swift and full recovery, and I thank them for their service on behalf of the public,” he said.
“This incident in Dublin shows yet again the danger An Garda Síochána often face in their efforts to protect and serve the people. We should always be very grateful for all the work they do on a daily basis on our behalf,” the Taoiseach added.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said: “This was another in a long line of examples of gardaí putting themselves on the line to keep people safe. I want to wish them a speedy recovery.”
Minister for Justice Heather Humphreys praised the gardaí for their bravery. “Shocking incidents such as this remind us of the dangers the men and women of An Garda Síochána face every day. We can never take for granted their bravery and the dedicated service they provide to our communities,” she said.
Ms Humphreys added that an investigation into the incident is ongoing and requested that anyone with any information or footage contact the Blanchardstown Garda Station.
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