2023 shooting of police detective
On the evening of 22 February 2023, two gunmen shot and wounded off-duty Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell of the Police Service of Northern Ireland in Omagh, Northern Ireland. The gunmen are believed to have been linked to the New Irish Republican Army. Fifteen people were detained in connection with the shooting, and by February 2024, eleven people had been charged in connection with the shooting, eight of whom with attempted murder.
Background.
Caldwell is known in part for investigating high-profile murder incidents, including the murder of Ronan Kerr and the death of Lyra McKee. He has received multiple death threats in the past. He was 48 years old at the time of the shooting.
Events.
John Caldwell coached an under-15s football team at the Youth Sports complex in Omagh. At 20:00, following a practice session, Caldwell was loading footballs into his car with his son. Two men approached and opened fire. Caldwell fled, but was hit and fell, with the gunmen continuing to fire at him. According to police, the children fled in "sheer terror".
The gunmen fled in a small car, which was later found burnt out, outside Omagh by police.
A member of the public administered first aid. Caldwell was then taken to Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry and underwent two surgeries. He suffered life-changing injuries.
The attack was condemned by several political leaders including UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.
Investigation and trial.
On 26 May 2023, seven men were charged with attempted murder. The men range in age from 28 to 72 and appeared by videolink at Dungannon Magistrates Court on 29 May 2023. An eighth man was charged in February 2024.
In July 2024, four of those charged with attempted murder were granted bail as the trial was not expected to complete until 2026.
References.
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