'Justice Minister 'disgusted' by Christmas Eve shooting in Dublin
Helen McEntee. .Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin
Gardaí have stepped up uniformed patrols in Dublin after a shooting incident at a restaurant on Christmas Eve.
A man, aged in his 20s has died and a man in his 40s is in a critical condition in hospital after the incident at Browne’s Steakhouse on Blanchardstown main street at 8pm on Christmas Eve.
The restaurant was was full of customers at the time, including several families having a Christmas Eve meal. Videos on social media show several customers fleeing the premises as the attack unfolded, with others taking cover below tables.
Gardaí are said to be investigating whether the dead man was a participant in the initial attack and was tackled in the aftermath.
They are also in the process of gathering CCTV from inside the restaurant in as part of their investigation into the incident.
The Taoiseach said he was shocked by the incident, while the Justice Minister condemned the violence as “disgusting”.
Uniform patrols in the Dublin Region, with support from armed patrols including the Garda Armed Support Unit, have been increased in response to the incident.
Gardaí have also appealed to the public not to share videos from the scene in the aftermath of the violent incident, and to be aware of “a significant level of speculation, misinformation and disinformation”.
The scene remains preserved as a technical examination is carried out by the Garda Technical Bureau.
The State Pathologist is to carry out a post-mortem examination of the dead man on Tuesday at the City Morgue in Whitehall.
No arrests have yet been made.
"Shocked to hear about the shooting today in Blanchardstown in a well known family restaurant I’ve visited many times," the Taoiseach wrote in a post on X.
“Full Garda investigation under way. My thanks to them and solidarity to staff and customers."
Justice Minister Helen McEntee called the attack “disgusting”.
“I deplore the violence in Blanchardstown tonight.
“This viciousness has resulted in unimaginable human suffering this Christmas,” she said in a post on Instagram.
“I’m thinking of the bereaved, those who were at the scene and indeed all the emergency service personnel working tonight and over Christmas who have to deal with this senseless violence," she said.
“I call on anyone with information of any kind to contact An Garda Siochana.”
An incident room has been established at Blanchardstown Garda Station and the investigation is being led by a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO).
The Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation is also providing assistance and a Garda Family Liaison Officer has been appointed to both families.
“An Garda Siochana is aware of videos of the incident and immediate aftermath which are in circulation on social media and messaging apps,” Gardai said in a statement.
“We are appealing to the public for these videos not to be further distributed.
“We are also appealing to the public to be aware of a significant level of speculation, misinformation and disinformation which is in circulation.”
Anyone with information about the incident has been asked to contact gardaí.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
