Garda officer shot dead
A Garda officer has been shot dead during an incident in Castlera, County Roscommon, shortly before midnight on Wednesday (June 17).
He was named as Detective Garda Colm Horkan, who had served with the force for 24 years.
It is understood that the officer was shot with his own weapon during a scuffle with a man after attempting to intervene in an incident taking place close to a police station.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said: “”I am deeply saddened by the death of my colleague. My thoughts, and the thoughts of all personnel in An Garda Síochána, are with the family, friends and colleagues of Detective Garda Colm Horkan at Castlerea Garda Station and the Detective Unit he served in.”
“Detective Garda Colm Horkan is the 89th member of An Garda Síochána killed in the line of duty. Today is a terrible reminder of the significant sacrifices, including the ultimate sacrifice, that Gardaí make to keep people safe.”
In a statement, Ireland’s Prime Minister Leo Varadkar extended his sympathies to the family and friends of Det Horkan.
“Every day our Gardai put themselves on the front line of crime prevention, on behalf of all of us,” he said. “This requires regular acts of bravery and courage. Sometimes the outcome is tragic and a Garda makes the ultimate sacrifice in the course of their duties. Our thoughts today are with all those grieving as a result of this tragic incident.”
A man in his forties has been arrested in connection with the incident.
