Gunman Identified in Tesco Supermarket Shooting Incident
Carlow: Gardaí have formally identified the man involved in the shooting incident at the Tesco supermarket in the Fairgreen Shopping Centre on Sunday evening as Evan Fitzgerald (22), a resident of Kiltegan on the Wicklow-Carlow border. The incident, which prompted the evacuation and closure of the shopping centre, resulted in Fitzgerald’s death by suicide following the arrival of armed Garda units.
According to Gardaí, Fitzgerald entered the Tesco premises shortly after 6:00 p.m. and discharged a firearm into the air, causing panic among shoppers. While no bystanders were directly targeted, a young girl sustained minor leg injuries after falling while fleeing the scene. She was treated at the scene and subsequently reunited with her family.
Assistant Garda Commissioner Paula Hillman confirmed that no Garda firearms were discharged during the incident. She explained that Fitzgerald fatally shot himself as armed Gardaí arrived on the scene. Gardaí are continuing a full investigation into the event, led by a senior officer.
A suspicious bottle found on Fitzgerald’s body prompted an emergency response from the Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit. The scene was cordoned off and underwent a thorough technical examination, though the item was ultimately deemed non-threatening.
Fitzgerald had previously come to the attention of authorities. In 2023, he and two other individuals were arrested on suspicion of firearms and explosives possession. He was subsequently charged with 13 offences, including possession of a Heckler & Koch G3 rifle and a Remington M1911 handgun. At the time, he was granted bail under strict conditions, with the court noting that he claimed to have acquired the weapons as part of a personal interest in firearms, not for criminal activity.
A widely circulated photograph showed Fitzgerald leaving Naas District Court in March 2024. Despite his legal issues, reports suggest that Fitzgerald was also known for his achievements in academics and sports.
Community Reaction and Investigation
The incident has deeply shocked both local residents and Gardaí. Officials described the event as a “terrifying ordeal” for those present at the busy shopping centre. Shoppers fled in panic as Fitzgerald fired into the air. The first responding Garda was unarmed; Fitzgerald discharged a shot upon seeing the officer but did not aim at him or others.
The Fairgreen Shopping Centre remained closed in the aftermath, although vehicle access was later permitted. Gardaí conducted a detailed search of Fitzgerald’s residence in Kiltegan as part of the ongoing investigation. His body is currently at a Dublin morgue pending a post-mortem examination.
Gardaí have appealed to the public to refrain from sharing footage of the incident online. Anyone with relevant information or video evidence is urged to contact Carlow Garda Station at 059-9136620 or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin expressed his shock at the incident and called on members of the public to assist Gardaí with any information. Tánaiste Simon Harris confirmed he had spoken with the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Rosa Mulcahy, regarding the security response. Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan described the event as tragic and emphasised that such occurrences should never happen in Irish society.
Gardaí have appointed a family liaison officer to support Fitzgerald’s family during the investigation. The incident has raised serious questions about bail protocols and firearm possession, and further details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.
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