The New IRA, a dissident republican organization, is the primary target of the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s (PSNI) investigation.
Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell, an off-duty officer who was shot by masked men in Northern Ireland, has been identified by police, who claim the New IRA is the “primary focus” of their investigation.
The senior officer was shot multiple times in front of the youths he was instructing at a sports center in Omagh, County Tyrone, just before 8 p.m. on Wednesday.
Mr. Caldwell, whose son was also present when the masked assailant attacked, is still in critical but stable condition in the hospital.
He is a high-profile officer who has conducted several significant investigations. Including the murder investigation into the murder of Natalie McNally in Lurgan in December.
An investigation into an attempted assassination has been opened by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).
According to Assistant Chief Constable Mark McEwan, the dissident Republican party New IRA is the force’s “principal focus.”
He stated: “We are maintaining an open mind because the investigation is still in its early stages. That investigation has many different facets.
“The primary emphasis is on violent republican dissidents, and within that, there is a primary focus on the New IRA.”
When asked if there is a concern for the security and safety of the general public and if steps will be taken to enhance the security of some police officers, he responded: “Continuously, we observe these elements attempting to conduct attacks of this nature.
“We support our officers and employees. Consistently, we evaluate our security arrangements and advise our officers on security arrangements.”
He stated that the country’s current terror threat level remained “substantial,” indicating that an attack is “highly probable.”
ACC McEwan also praised a “brave” citizen who ran towards DCI Caldwell during the assault and gave first aid.
“I would also like to acknowledge our ambulance service partners. Without their prompt action in transporting John to the hospital, this morning’s outlook could have been very different “he added.
Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris also commented on the murder, calling it “a cowardly and callous attack.”
He said: “This is a very significant occasion. It is a very critical situation.
“A well-known local police officer is currently in critical condition.
“My sympathies are with him, his family, the law enforcement community, and the people of Omagh.
There is no place for violence like this in Northern Ireland’s society.
Amid suspicions that the gunmen may have escaped across the border, Irish police are collaborating closely with their counterparts in the PSNI and have intensified patrols.
The Garda stated in a statement issued last night that it is “currently responding to an ongoing incident that occurred earlier this evening in Northern Ireland.”
“A Garda Siochana has stepped up patrols in frontier counties.”
PSNI Temporary Detective Chief Superintendent Eamonn Corrigan said: “Our investigation is now underway and I would appeal to anyone who was in the area and witnessed what happened or could help with our inquiries to make contact with police on 101.”
Liam Kelly, the chairman of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland. Which represents rank-and-file officers, described the assault as “barbaric and cold-blooded.”
“The perpetrators of this cowardly and shocking act must be swiftly identified and apprehended. And I urge the community to assist the police in any way possible.
“My and all police officers’ thoughts are with our colleague and his family. We’ll support him and his family in this awful time because the police community is strong and resilient.”
Politicians from all over the United Kingdom and Ireland have condemned the murder.
The “disgraceful slaying of an off-duty police officer in Omagh” outraged Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Leo Varadkar, the premier of Ireland, condemned the “grotesque act of attempted assassination.”
The Taoiseach stated, “Our thoughts are with the injured officer, his family, colleagues, and friends at this difficult moment.”
“I utterly condemn this grotesque attempted assassination.”
It was an “outrageous and shameful assault,” according to Sinn Fein vice president Michelle O’Neill.
“My immediate sympathies are with the officer and his family,” she said.
“I categorically condemn this despicable attempt to assassinate a police officer.”
