Man arrested after probationer garda stabbed in Dublin city centre

RTÉ News​

5 days ago

A man in his 20s has been arrested after a probationer garda was attacked in Dublin city centre this evening.
The incident took place on Capel Street just after 6pm.
The garda who was on a high visibility patrol was attacked and stabbed in what gardaí say was an unprovoked attack.
He was taken to hospital to be treated for injuries described as non-life-threatening.
The garda has since been discharged following treatment.
In a post on X, An Garda Síochána said: "There is no ongoing threat to public safety."
A man has been arrested and is being detained in connection with the attack.
The man, who is an Irish citizen and born in Ireland, can be questioned for up to 24 hours.
In a statement, the Garda Representative Association's Vice President Niall Hodgins said: "This young probationary member was subject to a quite terrifying and unprovoked attack and only for his bravery and that of his colleagues this incident could have resulted in far worse and unthinkable consequences.
"Our job is tough. Our members continually run towards situations that others must flee from. But there is never, ever, an excuse for being exposed to such acts of random violence.
"The attacks being visited upon our members is shocking and we will never accept that being assaulted is being part of our job. More needs to be done to create a safer working environment where the risk of assault is reduced."
Speaking tonight, Assistant Commissioner for the Dublin Metropolitan Region, Paul Cleary said: "I speak for all of An Garda Síochána in Dublin when I say that our thoughts are very much with our colleague who is recovering tonight.
"This evening's unprovoked assault is indicative of what gardaí can face when they go out on duty to keep people safe.
"There is not always video footage or content shared online, but we experience it in our day-to-day duties and it's a difficult aspect of the job. Assaults of this nature will never be acceptable or tolerated.
"Our colleague has our full, steadfast support and the range of welfare services will be extended to him when he feels up to it," said Asst Comm Cleary.
Taoiseach 'appalled by, shocking, unprovoked' attack
The Taoiseach said he is "appalled by the shocking" attack.
In a post on X, Micheál Martin said: "Appalled by the shocking unprovoked attack on a garda on duty on Capel Street in Dublin this evening.
"My thoughts are with the injured garda and his colleagues at this time. I wish him a quick recovery. I urge anyone with information to contact the gardaí."
Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan condemned the attack which he described as unacceptable.
Mr O'Callaghan also said attacks on gardaí will not be tolerated.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said the attack on the garda was "utterly unacceptable".
In a statement, Ms McDonald said: "I condemn the shocking attack on a garda on patrol on Capel Street in Dublin's city centre earlier this evening.
The Dublin Central TD said: "It is utterly unacceptable that a garda working to keep our city safe was subject to such an unprovoked assault."