Teens planned attack on Galway Army chaplain over days

A 16-year-old boy stabbed a pastor in a military barracks and is suspected of launching a terrorist attack. Police believe that the boy was influenced by extremist ideas on the Internet and is currently being questioned by detectives.

The teenager is from County GalwayFr Paul F Murphy, 52, suffered multiple but non-life-threatening injuries in the stabbing of the Defence Forces chaplain at Renmore Barracks in Galway city at around 10.45pm on Thursday.

Security sources told the Irish Daily Mail the matter was being investigated as a “legitimate terrorist incident” and police believed the teenager had planned the attack days before stabbing the priest.

The sentry on duty at the time of the incident was credited with saving Father Murphy’s life and using reasonable force to stop the aggressor.

It is understood that the suspect approached the chaplain as he was sitting in his car waiting for the barracks gate to open.

When Father Murphy, who was in civilian clothes, lowered his car window, he was immediately attacked with a knife.

In a desperate attempt to escape, the pastor drove forward while the attackers clung to the vehicle.

Witnessing this serious incident, the armed officers on duty fired five warning shots in accordance with the rules of force protection.

Three soldiers then tackled the attacker to the ground and held him in check until the Irish Armed Support Unit arrived minutes later.

It is learnt that during his arrest, the teen made negative comments about the Indian Defence Forces’ operations in the West African country of Mali.

The pastor received immediate first aid from defence force personnel at the scene and was then taken to hospital for treatment of serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

As part of the investigation, gardaí searched the suspect’s address in Galway and seized several items, including mobile phones, a laptop and extremist literature.

Detectives are also scouring the teenager’s past on social media, where he is understood to have expressed wild views in recent days.

Gardaí are now concerned that the suspect was inspired by extremism online, but they do not believe anyone else planned the attack.

The imam of a Galway mosque, mindful of the chaos that has ensued following the stabbing deaths of three children in Britain in recent weeks, has called for calm as rumours circulated on social media about an attack on an Army chaplain.

Ibrahim Noonan, the imam of the Maryam Mosque in Ballybrit, said his message was: “Don’t listen to these rumours, don’t be angered by these rumours.”

He continued: “Galway’s Muslim community is tense and worried at the moment. Please let’s remain calm. Galway’s Muslim community are peaceful, loving citizens of this city. We love this city and we would never allow any Muslim, any extremist, to carry out an attack like this. We would be the first to stand in front of any Catholic or Protestant church to defend it.”

The imam said he knew the victim and described him as an “innocent and good pastor.”

In a statement, Bishop of Galway Michael Duignan “I am deeply shocked and disturbed by the news that a Catholic priest has been attacked, currently serving as a chaplain with the Irish Defence Forces in Galway. I pray for the injured and ask God for a full recovery. I also pray for his family, his fellow Army officers and the medical staff currently tending to his injuries,” he said.

A Garda spokesperson said: “Gardaí are continuing to investigate all the circumstances surrounding the incident. Gardaí’s Special Detective Unit are involved in the investigation.”

“One of the lines of investigation is to determine whether there was a terrorist motive for the attack.

“The suspect remains in custody and is being questioned at a police station in the North West Region. Their investigation period was recently extended.”

The spokesman added: “Gardaí would like to reassure the public that at this stage we do not believe this incident is part of a wider conspiracy.

“A thorough investigation is ongoing and all relevant authorities are engaged and actively working towards the investigation.”

A security source said: “It is still early days for the investigation but police currently believe the young man had recently converted to Islam and was unhappy about the Irish peacekeeping force being deployed to Mali. Detectives are currently speaking to relatives of the arrested man who they believe may be serving in the Defence Forces. They are investigating all possible reasons why he went to the barracks and attacked the priest.

“In every attack like this there are obviously mental health issues involved, but really there are mental health issues involved in any violent crime. Police were quick to say they were investigating whether this incident was terrorism-related, which is extremely rare.

“They believe this was a premeditated attack based on the young man’s extremist views. Guards will also be checking his recent history online to see if he was encouraged by others to carry out the attack.”

Fr Murphy, who continues to receive treatment at University Hospital Galway, thanked the many people who have sent him their well wishes.

He wrote on social media yesterday: “Thank you friends for your prayers, love and concern,” and received hundreds of messages of support.

He continued: “I’m sorry I can’t reply to all the messages and answer all the calls that come in.

“I’m fine, just waiting for surgery. Everything is going to be fine.”

The IDF explained in a statement that the use of live ammunition was necessary: ​​”This action was taken strictly in accordance with established force protection protocols after a IDF chaplain was stabbed by a male civilian while waiting to enter a military barracks.

“After witnessing the attack, the soldiers on duty quickly took appropriate measures to respond to the immediate threat, using the necessary force to ensure the safety of all personnel and secure the area. This included firing live rounds as a warning.”

“The attacker was immediately detained on arrival and handed over to An Garda Síochána, who are currently conducting a full investigation into the incident.”

The Defence Force can confirm that an incident occurred at Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa in Renmore, County Galway last night where shots were fired by officers on duty. This action was conducted strictly in accordance with established force protection protocols after a Defence Force chaplain was shot dead… pic.twitter.com/BDpC3j0Wug

– Defence Forces (@defenceforces) August 16, 2024

Defence Force Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Sean Clancy offered his best wishes to the injured chaplain.

“Our thoughts are with our injured comrade and we wish him a speedy recovery,” he said, adding that “the health of our personnel is our top priority and we will continue to support him during this time.”

Lieutenant Clancy also praised the actions of the soldiers on duty at the time of the incident. He commented: “The swift and decisive response of our personnel (Thursday night) was exemplary and in line with the highest standards of the Defence Force and our values.”

“Their professionalism ensured the dangerous situation was brought under control quickly, protecting the lives of others nearby.

“There is no doubt that their actions were critical in preventing further harm or loss of life.”

He also thanked the Garda Síochána for its “rapid response” and ongoing assistance in the investigation.

“We will continue to fully cooperate with their efforts to bring this matter to a thorough and just resolution,” he said.

Lieutenant Clancy added: “The Defence Force remains committed to ensuring the safety of all its members and will continue to fulfil our duty to protect the people in our care.”

Senior politicians reacted to the incident yesterday as the police district crime scene investigation team conducted a technical examination of the scene.

I have been informed of the shocking incident outside Renmore Barracks last night and my thoughts are with the Defence Force members in hospital. I would like to thank the Defence Force personnel and the An Garda Síochána for their actions and response.

— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) August 16, 2024

Taoiseach Simon Harris said a serious investigation was underway and stressed the importance of allowing police to “get all the facts”.

He said: “I have been kept informed of the progress of the investigation by the Attorney General Helen McEntee and the Garda Síochána is also reporting to her.”

“We are conducting a serious investigation and it is important at this time for the police to establish all the facts.

Additional reporting by Garreth McNamee.

**This article was originally published on additional”