The suspected gunman who opened fire at Browne’s Steakhouse in Blanchardstown, west Dublin, before being subdued and fatally stabbed, has been identified as local resident Tristan Sherry. This incident occurred on Christmas Eve, leaving one man dead and another critically injured, prompting a swift condemnation from Irish Justice Minister Helen McEntee.
The shocking attack unfolded around 8 pm on Christmas Eve, sending shockwaves through the local community and garnering widespread attention across the country. Among those expressing their dismay was Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, who revealed that he had frequented the restaurant in the past and expressed his deep concern over the incident.
The assailant, armed with a firearm, stormed into the restaurant, which was packed with patrons, including families celebrating the holiday season. The horrific scene was captured on video, with diners scrambling for safety and taking cover as gunshots rang out within Browne’s Steakhouse.
Tragically, one man lost his life during the attack, and another was seriously injured. Preliminary reports suggest that the deceased individual was one of the assailants, while the injured man is believed to have been the target of the gangland shooting.
Tristan Sherry, the suspected attacker, met his end after being overpowered by his intended victims and ultimately succumbing to stab wounds. The injured man, who suffered a gunshot wound to the neck, is currently fighting for his life in a Dublin hospital. Both Sherry and the injured man were well-known to the Gardaí for their involvement in drug-related crimes in the area.
Following the incident, two suspects fled the scene in a white Audi car, prompting a plea from law enforcement for anyone with information to come forward as soon as possible. Minister Helen McEntee condemned the attack, which is believed to be connected to an ongoing feud in west Dublin known for numerous assaults.
McEntee stated, “I deplore the violence in Blanchardstown. This viciousness has resulted in unimaginable human suffering this Christmas. That anyone could perpetrate such violence as families gathered together is especially disgusting. I’m thinking of the bereaved, those who were at the scene, and indeed all the emergency service personnel working tonight and over Christmas who have to deal with this senseless violence. I call on anyone with information of any kind to contact An Garda Síochána.”
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar expressed his shock over the incident, assuring that a full Garda investigation was underway and extending his gratitude to law enforcement personnel. Concerns have arisen that innocent members of the public may become entangled in the feud, as one gang has offered a substantial reward for information about their rivals.
Gardaí have since increased both uniformed and armed patrols in various parts of Dublin, including the Corduff area, where the feud is centered, and Finglas, the stronghold of the rival gang leaders. Authorities have also urged the public to refrain from sharing videos of the incident on social media and to report any credible information that could aid the investigation.
This tragic incident marks the second gangland murder in the area this year, following the shooting of Brandon Ledwidge last month. At this time, Gardaí do not believe the two shootings are connected.
The Blanchardstown community, along with the wider Irish public, now grapples with the aftermath of this shocking act of violence on what should have been a peaceful Christmas Eve.
