Northern Ireland: Church leaders condemn shooting of policeman

Photo by Joachim Riegel on Unsplash

The Protestant and Catholic Archbishops of Armagh have issued a joint statement condemning the attempted murder of a police officer in Northern Ireland last night. PSNI Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell was shot a number of times in front of his son after coaching a football session for a group of teenagers in Omagh.

Church of Ireland Archbishop John McDowell and Catholic Archbishop Eamon Martin write:

"It is with great shock and a sense of disbelief that we have learned of the horrific gun attack on a member of the PSNI in Omagh. It is impossible to find appropriate words even to describe let alone condemn such an act of depraved violence against a police officer who, as a public servant, works for the protection and well-being of the whole community. Our thoughts and prayers at this time, along with those of our parishioners, are with the officer, and with his colleagues, family and friends.

As the Catholic and Protestant Archbishops of Armagh, we are united in our condemnation of this abhorrent attack on someone serving our community. Regardless of who they think they are, the individuals who planned and carried out this shooting represent a deep seated criminal threat to the health and peace of our society and it is important that we do everything in our power to prevent such things from ever happening again."

The Most Revd John McDowell , Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh.

The Most Revd Eamon Martin, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Armagh & Primate of All Ireland & Primate of All Ireland.

Bishop Donal Mckeown, Bishop of Derry and Apostolic Administrator the Diocese of Down and Connor writes:

"The attempted murder of the police officer last evening in Omagh is a wholly unjustifiable and appalling act. There can be no excuse for any attack on members of the PSNI and they deserve our support. Police officers carry out their duties on behalf of the whole community".

"My prayers are with the injured police officer and his family and those who are caring for him at this time."

+ Donal McKeown