Gardai suspect teen 'radicalised' online targeted Defence Forces chaplain in terror-motivated attack
Gardai have since searched a property connected to the suspect and found 'literature' and disturbing social media posts
Gardai suspect a recently radicalised teenager targeted army chaplain Fr Paul Murphy in a terror-motivated attack.
Elite gardai from the Special Detective Unit were on Friday quizzing a 16-year-old Irish national after Fr Murphy was set upon and stabbed multiple times in a frenzied attack at Renmore Army Barracks at around 10.45pm on Thursday.
It is understood Fr Murphy was sitting in his car, waiting for the front gates of the barracks to open - when the teenage suspect emerged from nearby bushes and approached him. Sources say Fr Murphy rolled down his window when the young man approached - only for the attacker to pull out a knife and begin to repeatedly stab him.
READ MORE - Galway army chaplain stabbed in Renmore barracks attack speaks out as community in shock
It is understood the gates of the barracks began to open and a terrified but brave Fr Murphy put his foot to the accelerator and drove forward - in an effort to get away from the attacker.
However, the crazed youth managed to cling onto the car as it drove forward - and continued to try to stab the well-respected Defence Forces chaplain.
Brave armed soldiers then intervened - with three warning shots fired at the attacker before they managed to tackle him to the ground. The Garda Armed Response Unit then arrived at the scene and apprehended the suspect - while army personnel immediately tended to the seriously wounded chaplain.
Fr Murphy was then rushed to Galway University Hospital - and in an update posted to social media, he reassured everyone of his condition. “Friends, thank you for your prayers, love, and concern. Sorry that I can't reply to all messages and take all the calls coming my way. I'm doing okay; just awaiting surgery. All will be well,” he said.
The Irish Mirror has learned that gardai have searched a property in the Galway area connected to the suspect - and certain items of “literature” were obtained. Sources say officers have also combed through various troubling and radical social media posts allegedly made by the suspect.
The suspect is understood to have vocalised a grievance he has with the Irish Defence Forces ongoing presence in Mali. Gardai are therefore understood to be treating the stabbing on Thursday night as a potential terror related incident - and believe the teen deliberately targeted the Defence Forces in a pre-planned attack. However, sources say gardai do not believe anyone else was involved in the attack - and the teenager was radicalised online.
Fr Murphy is a very highly regarded member of the Defence Forces who in 2021 celebrated his Silver Jubilee of ordination - which marks 25 years as a priest. At the time, he was deployed with Irish Peacekeepers serving with the UNDOF Mission in Syria. He has also been attached to St Patrick’s Garrison Church for around 12 years.
The horrific attack was widely condemned on Friday - with Taoiseach Simon Harris stating: “A Garda investigation is ongoing into a serious attack on a member of the Defence Forces at Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa, Renmore in Galway last night.
"I have been kept informed of the trajectory of the investigation by the Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, who is being briefed by An Garda Siochana.
"A serious line of inquiry is being pursued and at this time it is important to allow Gardai to work to establish all the facts.
"I have also spoken to the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Mícheál Martin, on the quick action of Defence Forces personnel who intervened during the attack.
"My thoughts remain with Defence Forces Chaplin, Fr Paul Murphy, and on behalf of the government I wish him a speedy recovery and want to thank the officers of the Gardai and Defence Forces for their response."
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee also issued a statement in which she praised gardai and the Defence Forces. "My first thoughts are with Fr Paul Murphy, and I wish him a speedy recovery. An Garda Síochána responded promptly last night, and the suspect is in Garda custody. I would also like to pay tribute to the members of the Defence Forces who intervened bravely at the scene. As this is a live Garda investigation, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this time."
In a statement gardai informed the public that a line of enquiry “is to establish if this attack had a terrorism motivation.” They stated that the suspect recently had their period of detention extended - and that they are being questioned at a Garda station in the North Western region.
"An Garda Síochána wishes to reassure the public that at this time it is not believed this incident is part of a wider conspiracy,” a garda spokesperson said. “A thorough investigation is underway and all relevant Bureaux have been engaged and are active in progressing this investigation. The Garda Commissioner has spoken to the Defence Forces Chief of Staff and wishes the injured Defence Forces member a full and speedy recovery.”
In their own statement the Defence Forces confirmed that shots were fired by on-duty personnel. “This action was taken in strict accordance with established force protection protocols after a Defence Forces Chaplain was stabbed by a male civilian while awaiting entry to the barracks,” the Defence Forces said. “Upon witnessing the assault, the soldiers on duty responded swiftly and appropriately to the immediate threat, using necessary force to ensure the safety of all personnel and to secure the area. This included the firing of live ammunition as Warning Shots. The assailant was promptly detained and handed over to An Garda Síochána upon their arrival, and a full investigation into the incident is now being conducted by An Garda Síochána.
“The injured Defence Forces member received immediate first aid from Defence Forces personnel on duty before being transported to hospital for further treatment. We are relieved to report that while the victim’s injuries are serious, they are not life-threatening.”
Chief of Staff of Óglaigh na hÉireann, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy also extended his best wishes to the injured Chaplain, saying: “Our thoughts are with our injured comrade, and we wish him a full and speedy recovery. The well-being of our personnel is our utmost priority, and we will continue to support him during this time.”
Lieutenant General Clancy also commended the actions of the soldiers on duty, stating, “The swift and decisive response by our personnel last night was exemplary, and in keeping with the highest standards of the Defence Forces and our values. Their professionalism ensured that a dangerous situation was quickly brought under control, protecting the lives of others in the vicinity. There is no doubt that their actions were critical in preventing further harm or loss of life.”
He added, “We are grateful to An Garda Síochána for their rapid response and ongoing assistance in the investigation. We will continue to cooperate fully with their efforts to bring this matter to a thorough and just conclusion.”
The incident was also condemned by senior members of the clergy. Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan said: "In light of the recent tragic incident in the Army Barracks in Galway, I feel compelled to address our community with both sorrow and resolve. The stabbing that occurred at the Army Barracks has left us all in shock and mourning. It is essential to come together as a community during this difficult time. "First and foremost, I unequivocally condemn this act of violence. Such behaviour is unacceptable in any form and goes against the very tenets of our faith, which teaches us to love one another and to seek peace. Violence begets violence, and we must strive for understanding and compassion rather than resorting to harm.
"Our priest, who has dedicated his life to serving God and our community, is now facing an unimaginable ordeal. We are praying for his swift recovery and healing - both physically and spiritually. The Church stands firmly behind him during this challenging time. I urge all members of our congregation to keep him in their thoughts and prayers as he navigates through this painful experience.
"This incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of unity within our community. We must come together not only to support our injured priest but also to foster an environment where such acts do not occur again. Let us engage in dialogue about how we can promote peace, understanding, and respect among all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs.
"I encourage everyone to join me in prayer - not only for our wounded priest but also for the individual responsible for this act. May they find redemption and may we all work towards healing the wounds that divide us. As we gather in prayer, let us remember that forgiveness is a powerful tool that can lead us toward reconciliation.
"While we grapple with the emotions surrounding this tragic event, let us remain steadfast in our faith and commitment to one another. Together, we can overcome adversity through love, compassion, and understanding. "May God bless us all during these trying times."
Bishop of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora, Michael Duignan meanwhile said: “News of the assault on a Catholic priest, who is presently serving as Chaplain to the Irish Defence Forces in Galway, is deeply shocking and upsetting. "I pray for the injured man, asking God that he would make a full recovery. I pray too for his family, for his army colleagues and for the medical personnel who are tending to his injuries at this time."
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