Terrorist motivation being investigated in Waterford chaplain stabbing
The scene at Renmore Army Barracks, Galway
An Garda Síochána continue to investigate all the circumstances into the stabbing of well-known Waterford army chaplain, Fr Paul Murphy at Renmore Army Barracks, Galway last evening.
The Special Detective Unit of An Garda Síochána are heading the investigation with one line of enquiry to establish if this attack had a terrorism motivation.
The suspect, believed to be in his late teens/early twenties, remains in detention and is being questioned in a Garda station in the North Western region. Their period of detection has recently been extended.
An Garda Síochána wishes to reassure the public that at this time it is not believed this incident is part of a wider conspiracy.
A thorough investigation is underway and all relevant Bureaux have been engaged and are active in progressing this investigation.
The Garda Commissioner has spoken to the Defence Forces Chief of Staff and wishes the injured Defence Forces member a full and speedy recovery.
In a message on X, Taoiseach Simon Harris said: "I have been briefed on the shocking incident outside Renmore Barracks last night and my thoughts are with the member of the Defence Forces in hospital. I want to thank Defence Forces personnel and Gardai for their action and response."
Additionally, Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Michéal Martin said: "I condemn the violent attack at Renmore Barracks last night.
"I commend the members of the Defence Forces on duty at the time, whose intervention was critical. Our thoughts are with the Defence Forces member injured in the attack."
