Gunman dead & child hurt after ‘active shooter’ stormed Carlow supermarket with shotgun as shock shooting details emerge
A MAN sparked utter chaos after storming a supermarket with a shotgun before he took his own life outside it.
Gardai - who tonight identified the man as "white Irish" - were called to the Fairgreen Shopping Centre in after 6pm.
A number of shots were fired before the man turned a gun on himself.
The man, aged in his early 20s, was out on bail for firearms offences and known to gardai, the Irish Sun has learned.
A young nine-year-old girl suffered "very minor" injuries in the mayhem, according to sources, and was treated by ambulance personnel at the scene before heading home with her parent.
The shopping centre was evacuated and remained sealed off overnight - with people who had vehicles in the car park unable to get access to them.
A source said: "This was a very frightening situation with an active shooter in a busy area. are still working to establish the full facts but have identified the man."
Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan said it was a "really shocking incident".
The TD added: "My thoughts are with everyone affected by the shooting and the community and families impacted including those working at the scene.
“I would appeal to anyone who has any information to speak to the gardai and help with their investigations in any way that they can.
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“This is something we never want or expect to happen in our communities. Gun violence is very rare in Ireland, and I am determined that will remain the case.
"The area in Carlow is safe. We must now allow An Garda Síochána to investigate this incident fully."
'DEEPLY CONCERNED'
Tanaiste and Minister for Defence also shared his concerns following the incident.
The leader said: “I am deeply concerned to hear about the incident that has taken place in Carlow tonight and have been kept briefed.
“I understand a young child has been hurt and I join with people across our country in thinking of them and their family tonight.
“I am also thinking of all those who witnessed this situation and the awful shock and upset it must have caused them. I know their families and communities will rally to support them.
“I am grateful to our emergency services for their work and response.
"This was a very frightening situation with an active shooter in a busy area. Gardai are still working to establish the full facts but have identified the man."
Irish Sun source
“This is a live Garda Investigation with the support of members of the Army Bomb Disposal Unit.
“I have been in touch with the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy, in relation this incident and the assistance our Defence Forces are providing.
“It’s important now that our gardai can carry out this investigation thoroughly."
A garda spokesman said: "Shortly after 6:15pm, gardai were alerted following reports of a firearm discharge at Fairgreen Shopping Centre, Carlow.
"An Garda Síochána are currently at the scene, with the shopping centre and car park cordoned off. The cordon will remain in place overnight.
'WHITE IRISH ADULT MALE'
"A white Irish adult male is deceased at the scene.
"The Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team has been requested to attend.
"A female juvenile received treatment from paramedics following the incident but did not require hospital care. It's undetermined at this time as to how those injuries were sustained.
"Anyone who may have recorded footage of the incident is urged not to share it on social media platforms or messaging apps, but instead to provide it to gardai at Carlow Garda Station.
"Anyone with information is asked to contact Carlow Garda Station at 059-9136620 or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111. Investigations are ongoing."
INFORMATION APPEAL
Taoiseach Micheal Martin also called on anyone with information to get in touch with investigators.
He said: "I am deeply shocked and saddened at the shooting incident in Carlow this evening.
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"My thoughts are with the families affected and the local community in Carlow after what was a very serious and traumatic incident.
"I urge anyone who has information to speak to the gardai."
