Terror motive explored as army chaplain stabbed outside Galway barracks

A teenage boy was detained at the scene of last night's incident.

Father Paul Murphy, who is in his 50s, is awaiting surgery at University Hospital Galway after being seriously injured in the attack which took place at around 10:45pm.

A teenage boy was restrained by members of the Defence Forces at the scene, before being arrested by gardaí.

RTÉ News have now reported that one line of enquiry being looked into by investigators is whether or not the attack had a "terrorism motivation".

Terror motive investigated in Galway barracks attackhttps://t.co/m9T7oawoSp

— RTÉ News (@rtenews) August 16, 2024

They added that Gardaí don't currently think it is part of a wider conspiracy.

The scene has been cordoned off while forensic examinations take place.

Ireland's defence minister Michael Martin said in a statement: "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."

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.

— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) August 16, 2024

A spokesperson for Ireland's Defence Forces said it could confirm an incident "where shots were fired by on duty Defence Forces personnel".

"This action was taken in strict accordance with force protection protocols after a Defence Forces member was assaulted by a male civilian," the spokesperson added.

"The soldiers on duty responded to the immediate threat with appropriate force to ensure the safety of personnel and secure the area."

He continued: "The assailant was quickly detained and handed over to An Garda Siochana, who are now conducting a full investigation into the incident.

"The injured Defence Forces member was provided with immediate first aid at the scene before being transported to hospital for further treatment.

"We can confirm that the victim's injuries while serious, are not life-threatening."

The Defence Forces can confirm that an incident occurred last night at Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa, Renmore, Co. Galway, where shots were fired by on-duty personnel. This action was taken in strict accordance with established force protection protocols after a Defence Forces Chaplain was… pic.twitter.com/BDpC3j0Wug

— Óglaigh na hÉireann (@defenceforces) August 16, 2024