Two teenagers arrested after Tipperary chef shot dead in the US

Shaun Brady was shot dead outside his restaurant in Kansas City on Wednesday night

Shaun Brady, who was originally from Nenagh, Co Tipperary, was shot a number of times after he confronted a group of armed men outside his Brady & Fox restaurant while taking out rubbish on Wednesday night. Picture: Facebook

Police have arrested two teenagers in connection with the shooting of an Irish chef outside his restaurant in Kansas City on Wednesday night.

Shaun Brady, who was originally from Nenagh, Co Tipperary, was shot a number of times after he confronted a group of armed men who were trying to steal a car outside his Brady & Fox restaurant. 

His attackers then fled the scene.

Mr Brady was rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead a short time later.

Police subsequently arrested two males in their teens less than an hour after the shooting, according to local media outlet KCTV5.

A vehicle believed to have been used in the crime was also recovered.

Police are now interviewing several witnesses and reviewing CCTV footage from the vicinity at the time of the shooting. 

The arrested juveniles remained in custody as of Thursday morning, pending further investigation.

Tributes to 'a one of a kind and bigger-than-life kinda guy'

A statement from Mr Brady's restaurant said: "Our hearts are broken. There are no words to express our sadness, anger and frustration. Our community is with Shaun's family — forever.. We appreciate the outpouring of support, offers to help, and your love.

"Together we are united. Together we will grieve. Together we will heal."

Mr Brady (45) was heavily involved in Kansas City’s Irish community. A spokesperson for the Kansas City Irish Fest which was due to take place this weekend, said "Shaun was not only a large part of the Kansas City Irish Fest Family, his restaurant, Brady and Fox, was a place where many in the Irish community gathered.

"It was one of Shaun's greatest gifts to bring people together with his culinary creations. Shaun was the head chef and creator of the Kansas City Irish Breakfast, a joyful tradition following our Catholic Mass the Sunday of the festival weekend."

Kansas City mayor Quinton Lucas wrote on social media: "Like many in our community, I am heartbroken to learn of the death of Shaun Brady. 

I have met him, laughed with him, heard just a bit of his and his family's story, and was inspired by the business and the community he was building in Kansas City.

Shortly after his restaurant opened in 2022, Mr Brady told the Kansas City Star about why he got into cooking. He explained how he first started by watching his grandmother and being "nosy" in kitchens which belonged to friends.

He had moved to Kansas City in 2013 after initially living in Chicago with his wife Kate, who he met in Ireland while she was travelling.

A fellow chef paid tribute to Mr Brady on social media, writing: "I still don’t know how to register this. I feel like it’s all a dream. Shaun you are a one of a kind and bigger-than-life kinda guy, you were always happy to help any good cause. 

"I am a much richer person to have known you. I promise you will never be forgotten. Love you my friend may you RIP."