Two gunmen are thought to have crossed the Irish border after shooting an off-duty police officer multiple times at a sports facility in Omagh, Co. Tyrone, on Wednesday.
At the Youth Sport Omagh facility at around 8 o’clock in the evening, the senior-ranking officer was reportedly coaching a football practice when he was confronted by the two gunmen and shot up to four times.
After that, it is thought that the shooters crossed the border into the Republic of Ireland, and a massive police hunt is currently under way.
After being transported to Altnagelvin Hospital in Londonderry, the officer was described as being in a critical but stable state by Northern Ireland’s chief constable Simon Byrne.
The Northern Ireland Police Service (PSNI) has opened an inquiry into an attempted murder.
Eamonn Corrigan, a temporary detective chief superintendent, made a call for anyone who was nearby and saw what occurred or who has additional information to call the police at (911) 101.
In light of the possibility that the shooters may have crossed the boundary, Irish police have increased patrols.
The police officer was hurt on Wednesday evening just before 8 o’clock, according to a statement from the PSNI.
After being hurt in a shooting incident at a sports complex just before 8 o’clock this evening, one man, a serving police officer, was brought to the hospital for treatment, they reported.
The Garda said it is “currently responding to an ongoing incident that took place early this evening in Northern Ireland” in a statement on Wednesday night.
A spokesperson stated, “We are closely collaborating with our colleagues in the PSNI.”
The patrolling in border areas has increased, according to a Garda Siochana.
Mr. Byrne expressed his condolences to the wounded officer, his loved ones, and his coworkers.
He declared, “We will seek those accountable with vigor.” They are worthless to the neighborhood.
Tom Elliott, an Ulster Unionist Assembly member, claimed that the officer was coaching children when the assault happened.
“My understanding is that he was coaching young athletes at a nearby sports complex, and I think they were approaching the end of the session or maybe at the end of the session. There would undoubtedly have been some of these young athletes around at that time.
It’s almost indescribable to watch that happen in front of young people, and I’m confident it will have an impact on them for the rest of their lives.
At this point, everyone is undoubtedly thinking of the police officer and his close family and wishing and praying for his recovery.
The gun attack in Omagh that has left an officer battling for his life was described as “barbaric and cold-blooded” by Liam Kelly, chair of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland, which represents rank and file officers.
It is believed that two gunmen carried out the assault. While coaching young people in football, the injured cop was shot several times, he claimed.
“This was a callous, ice-cold, and barbaric assault on the life of an officer who was not on duty.”
The policeman is well-liked, well-respected, and involved in the neighborhood.
He is well-known and well-liked by his coworkers in the enforcement community as well.
“I would ask to the community to support the police in any way they can so that the people who committed this cowardly and shocking act can be swiftly identified and apprehended.
“My sympathies are with our colleague and his family, as are those of all police officers,” I said. We will be there for him and his family in this terrible hour of need because the police family is incredibly resilient and powerful.
Irish and British leaders have both denounced the shooting.
In response to the “disgraceful killing of an off-duty police officer in Omagh,” Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed his outrage.
He said, “My sympathies are with the officer and his family.” “Those who attempt to harm public servants defending communities have no place in our society.”
Leo Varadkar, the prime minister of Ireland, denounced the “grotesque crime of attempted murder.”
The injured officer, his family, friends, and coworkers are in our thoughts during this trying moment, the Taoiseach said. “I vehemently condemn this horrifying effort at murder.”
“I appeal to anyone with knowledge to share it with the PSNI,” she said.
Michelle O’Neill, vice president of Sinn Fein, called it a “outrageous and shameful assault.”
She said, “My first sympathies are with the officer and his family.” I vehemently denounce this despicable effort to kill a police officer.
The shooting was referred to as “terrible news from Omagh” by DUP head Sir Jeffrey Donaldson.
He expressed his sympathy to the family and coworkers of the brave police officer. “We utterly detest the cowards who did this.”
They must be brought to justice because these terrorists have nothing to give. We support the PSNI.
Naomi Long, a former Stormont justice minister, expressed her condolences to the officer, his family, his coworkers, and everyone else impacted by the killing.
The leader of the Alliance Party called the assault a “evil deed of cowardice.”
A man is battling for his life with the help of our society’s best, our doctors and nurses, according to UUP leader Doug Beattie. I hope he makes it.
There will be a lot to say in the coming days and weeks about who exactly believes they have the moral, political, or other right to commit such a despicable act as shooting a police officer.
My prayers tonight are with the officer, his loved ones, his coworkers, and those who are taking care of him. Colum Eastwood, the head of the SDLP, called the shooting a “chilling attack.”
Their bravery and selfless commitment to service in the face of horrific violence that has no place in contemporary Ireland, he said, “is an everlasting reminder that for every person determined to tear us apart, there are hundreds more committed to defending our peace and all those who live under it.”
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