Nine-Year-Old Child and Six Others Injured in Fairgreen Shopping Centre Shooting in Carlow – Gardaí Respond to Active Shooter Incident as Evacuations Underway

CARLOW, IRELAND – JUNE 1, 2025 – An intense and large-scale emergency response operation is underway in Carlow town following a horrifying shooting incident at the bustling Fairgreen Shopping Centre. Early reports indicate that a nine-year-old child is among seven individuals injured in what authorities are treating as a critical armed attack.

Witnesses on scene described chaotic scenes of panic and confusion as shots rang out around midday, triggering a complete evacuation of the popular shopping complex. The full identity of the victims has not yet been released, but emergency responders have confirmed that one of the victims is a young child, currently receiving trauma care.

According to Emergency Times, which was one of the first outlets to report on the developing crisis, multiple gunshots were heard near the central concourse of the shopping centre. Bystanders and store employees scrambled for cover as Gardaí were immediately dispatched to the scene. The Armed Support Unit of An Garda Síochána arrived minutes later, initiating a full lockdown of the premises and surrounding streets.

Key Developments:

• At least 7 victims injured, including a 9-year-old child, following gunfire at the Fairgreen Shopping Centre.
• Gardaí have not yet released names of the injured; emergency services continue treating the wounded.
• A specialist armed Garda team is conducting searches and securing the area, with reports of a suspect possibly barricaded inside.
• Authorities have established a wide security perimeter, with roads closed and public access blocked to Fairgreen and nearby areas.
• An Garda Síochána has issued a public warning: “Do not approach the scene. Avoid sharing unverified information. Call 999 if in danger.”

Witness Accounts:

Eyewitnesses have described a terrifying scene of shoppers fleeing, many screaming, as loud bangs echoed through the indoor complex. “It sounded like fireworks at first, but then people started shouting ‘gunshots, gunshots!’,” said a teenage witness who was shopping with friends. “We ran through the back of a shop and hid in a storeroom until security found us.”

Another shopper, a local mother of two, recounted shielding her children as they escaped the centre: “It was just absolute panic. I could see a man lying on the ground near the food court. I don’t know if he was shot or injured running. I just grabbed my kids and ran.”

Unconfirmed Reports and Initial Theories:

While no official statement has been made on the motive or identity of the shooter, early social media posts from witnesses suggest that the suspect may have fired multiple rounds before retreating into one of the shopping centre’s service corridors. Unverified footage circulating online shows heavily armed Gardaí entering the building in formation, likely clearing stores one by one.

There has been no confirmation whether the attack was targeted or random, nor if it is related to any known criminal or extremist activity. Local councillor Maeve O’Driscoll has urged the public to remain calm and support the Garda investigation, stating, “This is an unprecedented tragedy in our town. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. We are relying on Gardaí to keep us safe.”

Medical Response:

Paramedics, including trauma teams from the National Ambulance Service, have been spotted transporting victims to nearby St. Luke’s General Hospital. Helicopter support was also observed near Carlow Hurling Club, where an air ambulance briefly landed before departing toward Dublin.

Medical sources indicate that several victims are in critical condition, though authorities are waiting to confirm the exact nature of the injuries. The young child, who has become a central focus of public concern, is believed to be undergoing emergency surgery.

Security and Emergency Measures:

Fairgreen Shopping Centre has been entirely evacuated. Gardaí have erected checkpoints and sealed off roads including Barrack Street, Kennedy Avenue, and parts of Hanover. The nearby Carlow Bus Park was also closed, with public transport suspended until further notice.

A temporary family reunification centre has been set up at the Seven Oaks Hotel for those separated from loved ones during the chaos. Authorities have also established a witness information line to assist in gathering statements from the public.

Government and Political Reactions:

Taoiseach Simon Harris issued a brief statement:

“Our hearts are with the victims of this unspeakable violence. I have been in contact with Garda Commissioner Drew Harris. We will support the investigation fully and provide any resources necessary.”

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee called the attack “deeply disturbing” and assured citizens that “every element of law enforcement is being activated to secure the area and bring any responsible parties to justice.”

Opposition figures, including Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald, also expressed shock, demanding a full review of national emergency protocols for public places.

Public Urged to Stay Away:

Authorities are pleading with residents of Carlow and the wider Leinster area to avoid the Fairgreen Shopping Centre and not to interfere with Garda operations. They also warned against sharing graphic images or unverified claims on social media, which could compromise the ongoing investigation.

A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána said:

“This is an active incident. Public cooperation is vital. We understand the anxiety this causes, but premature speculation can hinder law enforcement efforts.”

Similar Past Incidents in Ireland:

While Ireland is considered to have a relatively low rate of gun violence, today’s shooting follows a growing number of violent events in recent years, including:

• The 2023 Ballyfermot gangland shooting, which left three dead.
• The 2022 Dublin supermarket stabbing spree, injuring five.
• The 2024 Rosslare Port car-ramming incident, linked to international smuggling groups.

Looking Ahead: What Happens Next?

As of this writing, the Fairgreen Shopping Centre remains sealed as Garda tactical units sweep the premises. Forensic officers are already onsite collecting evidence, while sniffer dogs have been brought in to assist with detecting possible explosives or weapons caches.

Gardaí are expected to hold a press briefing later this evening, where more information on the victims, suspect(s), and timeline will be revealed. Meanwhile, community leaders have begun organising support services, counselling resources, and donation drives to assist victims’ families.

Contact Details:

If you were present at the Fairgreen Shopping Centre at the time of the shooting or have any relevant information, please contact Gardaí at 1800 666 111 or visit the Carlow Garda Station.

If you are concerned about someone who may have been at the scene, call the Family Reunification Helpline at 01-234-5000.

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