Garda hospitalised after unprovoked stabbing in Dublin city centre this evening

LAST UPDATE | 17 hrs ago

A GARDA HAS been taken to hospital after being stabbed by a man in Dublin city centre this evening.

The incident occurred on Capel Street shortly after 6pm while the garda was on a routine patrol.

One man, aged in his 20s, was arrested by gardaí at the scene. There is no threat to public safety at this time.

The garda, who is currently on a probationary period having only recently completed his training, has been taken to hospital in Dublin for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. 

He is recovering well and is expected to be discharged from a hospital in Dublin, a spokesperson said.

“Earlier this evening, while on routine high-visibility patrol in the Capel Street area of Dublin 1, a member of An Garda Síochána was subjected to an unprovoked assault by a male,” a garda statement said.

“This male was arrested at the scene. The member of An Garda Síochána who sustained injuries has been taken to a hospital in Dublin for the treatment of non-life-threatening injuries,” the statement said.

An Garda Síochána confirmed that the attack on its member was unprovoked. The garda was conducting a routine patrol of the area when he was attacked. 

Dublin Metropolitan Regional Commissioner Paul Cleary said that all members’ thoughts are with the garda, who is recovering this evening. He said the attack “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.

He added: “Our colleague has our full, steadfast support and the range of welfare services will be extended to him when he feels up to it.”

Garda welfare services have been offered and put in place for the injured member and his colleagues.

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Upwards of 20 gardaí were on Capel Street when The Journal attended the scene this evening. A number of members were seen searching the surrounding areas.

A cordon has been placed at the junction of Capel Street and Little Britain Street. Members of the public have been asked to divert from Capel Street if they are seeking to travel onto Bolton Street.

The Garda Representative Association’s Vice President Niall Hodgins, who is also the association’s representative for the region in which the injured garda is serving in, wished his colleague a speedy recovery.

“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,” Hodgins said.

“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.”

Hodgins added that the GRA will “never accept” that being assaulted is part of the role for gardaí. He said more needs to be done to create a safer working environment for members.

Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald has condemned the attack and said she hopes the garda has a quick recovery from his injuries.

“I condemn the shocking attack on a garda on patrol on Capel Street in Dublin’s City Centre earlier this evening,” said McDonald, who is a TD for the local area.

“It is utterly unacceptable that a garda working to keep our city safe was subject to such an unprovoked assault. It is deeply concerning that this should happen in broad daylight when people were on their way home from work and going out for the evening,” she said.

“I want to wish the garda a speedy recovery and to commend the speedy action of his colleagues.”

Lord Mayor of Dublin Ray McAdam described the attack as “deeply shocking”.

“I have been in contact with Superintendent O’Brien to pass on my support to the Gardaí serving the north west inner city, and my very best wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured member,” McAdam, a Fine Gael councillor, said.

“I want to commend the dedication, commitment and bravery of the rank and file members of An Garda Síochána who put themselves in harm’s way every day to keep Dubliners safe. Anyone who witnessed this incident or has any information, despite an arrest being made, should contact gardaí at Store Street without delay.”

Additional reporting by Lauren Boland

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