Gardaí are currently searching for a firearm that was accidentally discharged by a young child in the Ballymun area of Dublin on Tuesday afternoon. The incident occurred in Sillogue Gardens after a child, understood to be under 12 years traditional, discovered the weapon in a bush.
Details of the Discharge
The weapon, which residents reported to a local representative was an automatic firearm, was fired accidentally by the child. Sources suggest the shot did not hit anything, and no injuries have been reported.
Following the discharge, the firearm was taken from the scene by a third party. An Garda Síochána are now working to recover the weapon.
Police Pursuit and Arrests
The firearm is believed to have been discarded by a man fleeing from Gardaí in connection with a separate incident. At approximately 3pm on Tuesday, unarmed, uniformed Gardaí pursued two males on foot, one of whom was using an e-scooter.
Two individuals—a man in his 20s and a teenager—were detained under section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act 1939. The adult remains in custody, while the juvenile has been released pending a file for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Community Impact and Drug Feuds
The incident is believed to be linked to an ongoing street-level drug feud. People Before Profit councillor Conor Reddy stated that the community is “shocked and frightened,” noting that the area has seen arson attacks, homes being shot at, and violent daylight assaults.
Councillor Reddy described the involvement of teenagers and young men in these feuds as a “deep failure by the State.” Similarly, Fianna Fáil TD Paul McAuliffe noted that gangland crime has been “terrorising” the community and impacting public safety.
Official Response and Investigation
Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan described the event as “concerning” and expressed his thoughts with the child and their family. He declined further comment due to the ongoing criminal investigation.
A Garda senior investigating officer has been appointed to lead the case. Gardaí are providing support to the family of a second child who is believed to have witnessed the shooting.
Potential Next Steps
Investigators may focus on identifying the third party who removed the weapon from the scene. Forensic examination of any recovered materials could potentially link this firearm to the broader drug feud mentioned by local representatives.
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses or anyone with footage of the incident to contact Ballymun Garda station at (01) 666 4400 or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was anyone injured during the incident?
No injuries have been reported, and sources suggest the accidentally discharged shot did not hit anything.
How did the gun end up in the bush?
The weapon is understood to have been discarded by a man who was being pursued by Gardaí in connection with a separate incident.
Who was arrested in connection with the event?
Two males were detained: one in his 20s, who remains in custody, and a juvenile in his teens, who has since been released.
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