LAST UPDATE | 2 Jun

THE MAN AT the centre of yesterday’s shooting incident in Carlow town fired multiple shots into the town’s Fairgreen Shopping Centre, gardaí have said. 

The man self-inflicted fatal injuries during the incident.

He has been identified as 22-year-old Evan Fitzgerald from the local area. He was on bail for serious firearms offences, including offences associated with an assault rifle he bought on the dark web.

His body has now been removed from the scene and taken to the mortuary in Dublin, gardaí said. A post mortem will be carried out by the State Pathologist tomorrow.

A technical examination of the car park scene has concluded. The scene remains held and the Fairgreen Shopping Centre remains closed.

“Gardaí are now in a position to begin releasing cars from the Fairgreen Shopping Centre Car Park to their owners. Access will only be granted to members of the public who left a vehicle in the car park,” a statement released this evening said.

Following reports yesterday of the incident, gardaí responded to the scene and met a large number of people running from the shopping centre, a garda statement detailing the events of yesterday said.

“An unarmed uniform unit arriving at the scene observed the suspect exiting the shopping centre.

“The suspect discharged a firearm, a shotgun, into the air. Another plainclothes armed Garda unit responding drew their official firearms and identified themselves as armed gardaí.

“The suspect discharged the firearm again, self-inflicting a fatal wound. No member of An Garda Síochána discharged a weapon.”

Gardaí now understand that the lone man had walked through the shopping centre and discharged the firearm in the air on a number of occasions. 

No one was injured by the shots discharged. The young girl said to be injured in previous reports had suffered a minor leg injury when she fell while running from the scene, gardaí confirmed. She has since returned home to her family.

The scene remains cordoned off. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

A cordon was set up around the Fairgeen Shopping Centre and carpark yesterday by gardaí. 

“A bottle containing an unknown substance was observed by Gardaí on the deceased. An Garda Síochána requested the assistance of the Irish Defence Forces EOD team to examine the unknown device.”

Earlier today, the Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit declared the scene safe, following a full examination.

The shopping centre and carpark remain cordoned off this afternoon as the Garda Technical Bureau conduct a technical examination of the scene at Fairgreen Shopping Centre and carpark.

“An Garda Síochána will provide information to the public later this afternoon on how to gain access to private vehicles which are parked in the carpark.

“The body of the deceased remains at the scene at this time and will be removed to the State Pathologist Office, Whitehall where formal identification will be carried out.”

Gardaí continue to investigate all circumstances surrounding the serious incident and an incident room has been established at Carlow Garda station. 

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Man who fired shots in Carlow shopping centre named locally as 22-year-old Evan Fitzgerald

A statement from Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman commended the gardaí at the scene yesterday for their bravery and quick response. 

“An Garda Síochána is conscious that this serious incident has an impact on the local community and local Garda management will work with the local community, business community and other state agencies in the coming days to help the community come to terms with this incident.

“An Garda Síochána is also very aware that there is a family grieving the death of their loved one at this time and An Garda Síochána appeals for privacy for the family.”

The EOD team near the scene at Fairgreen Shopping Centre, Carlow yesterday. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris both voiced concern over the incident. Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan described it as “a really shocking incident”.

“My thoughts are with everyone affected by the shooting and the community and families impacted including those working at the scene,” O’Callaghan said in a statement.

“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.”

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who was in the Fairgreen Shopping Centre between 6pm and 6.30pm on Sunday evening to come forward.

They have also requested that any video footage of the incident not be shared on social media or messaging platforms, but instead be provided directly to investigators.

Members of the public can contact Carlow Garda Station on 059-9136620 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666-111.