Man arrested in Laois after making threats to 'slice babies'

Garda HQ issued a statement at 11.45am: 'Gardaí investigating alleged threats shared online have arrested one male in Abbeyleix, Co Laois this morning, Wednesday, May 28.' Picture: Denis Minihane

A man has been arrested in relation to online videos in which explicit threats are made to Irish people that he is going to “slice” their babies and children.

The individual, who appears to be a homeless foreign national, posted a video on TikTok of himself making the threat.

The post was circulated on TikTok and across other platforms, including on WhatsApp groups, resulting in, what sources described as, “panic” in one town in Co Laois and beyond.

The post uploaded by the man said: “Irish I’m coming on top of you now. I’m going to be slicing your babies, kids before you. Get ready my friends, because you have pissed me off so much.” 

He also uploaded other posts, which are more rambling and incoherent.

Another photo appears to show a large machete-like knife. Photos indicate he was living in a tent, along with other tents in a wooded area.

A number of well-known far-right agitators reposted the video and indicated they would deal with the man if they found him.

A school in Abbeyleix sent out a warning to parents at around 9.45am on Wednesday saying they were aware of rumours circulating — thought to be that the man in question had been spotted in the town.

It informed parents that the school was doing everything in its power “to keep the children and staff safe” and that everyone was going to remain indoors until the situation was resolved.

There was widespread concern not just in Abbeyleix but in other areas across Co Laois, with people posting on TikTok and other platforms that there were “rumours” the man had been seen in Mountrath, Mountmellick, and Portlaoise.

Local radio stations ran reports and interviews on the matter.

It is understood that gardaí had already arrested the man and detained him.

Sources have said that some of the concerns and panic that resulted could have been averted if contact had first been made with gardaí.

Garda HQ issued a statement at 11.45am: “Gardaí investigating alleged threats shared online have arrested one male in Abbeyleix, Co Laois this morning, Wednesday, May 28.

“The arrested male is currently detained at a Garda Station in the Eastern Region under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.” 

There can be breaks for sleep and/or medical examinations.

The Garda statement added: “There is no ongoing threat to public safety at this time.”