A SHOOTER armed with a machine gun walked into a crowded restaurant and tried to kill the diner and his son – but was himself killed in a botched Christmas Eve operation.
Tristan Sherry walked into Browne’s Steakhouse in Blanchardstown, west Dublin, looking for a dad and son who were eating there.
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A forensic investigator speaks to Garda officers at the scene in Blanchardstown, DublinCredit: � 2023 PA Media, All rights reserved
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Tristan Sherry
He shot his father, in his 40s, with at least three bullets.
But the hapless assassin Sherry then suffered more than two dozen stab wounds as a number of brave players tried to disarm him after his weapon jammed.
His suspected accomplice escaped from the restaurant located on the main village street and remained on the run last night.
Emergency services rushed to the scene of the attack, which took place on Sunday around 8 pm.
The father was rushed to James Connolly Memorial Hospital after one of the bullets hit him in the neck.
Gardai yesterday said he was continuing to receive treatment for gunshot wounds and was still in a serious condition. His son, who is about 20 years old, was not injured.
Attacker Sherry, also in his 20s, was also rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead a short time later.
A post mortem will be carried out today by the State Pathologist at Whitehall City Mortuary.
Terrifying footage of the aftermath of the shooting was widely circulated on social media.
One video shows a man’s body, covered in blood, on the floor of a Dublin restaurant as emergency workers tell the person filming to “get that camera off”.
Debris is scattered on the floor, which is also thick with blood.
Other video clips show terrified diners hiding under tables as a woman carries her children to safety.
Gardai appealed for the videos “not to be further distributed”.
A Garda spokesman said: “The Siochana Garda are aware of video footage of the incident and immediate aftermath circulating on social media and messaging apps.
“We appeal to the public not to distribute these videos further. We also appeal to the public to be aware of the significant level of speculation, disinformation and disinformation that is in circulation.
“Anyone with information about this incident or video footage is asked to contact Blanchardstown Garda Station on 01 666 7000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.”
A source told The Irish Sun yesterday: “This was a completely reckless attack where innocent people could have lost their lives.
“The people who witnessed it suffered a terrifying ordeal. It’s a miracle other people weren’t injured when they were shooting.”
CRIME SCENE SEALED
Gardai believe a white Audi was used in the incident. A firearm, believed to be a submachine gun, was recovered at the scene and sent for ballistics analysis.
Three units from the Guard’s Armed Support Unit responded to the terrifying attack.
The steakhouse was sealed off yesterday as officers preserved the scene for examination by the Garda Technical Bureau.
Gardai yesterday said no arrests had been made.
An incident room has been set up at Blanchardstown Garda Station, where local officers are assisted by the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
The investigation is being led by a senior investigator and a Garda Family Liaison Officer has been appointed to liaise with the two families.
Officers will also step up patrols in the area over the festive season amid fears of revenge attacks following a number of threats made on social media. A Garda spokesman added: “Gardai have increased uniformed patrols in the Dublin region, supported by armed patrols, including the Garda Armed Support Unit.”
Reacting to the incident, Justice Minister Helen McEntee said on Instagram: “I regret the violence in Blanchardstown tonight.
“This malice has resulted in unimaginable human suffering this Christmas.
“It is particularly abhorrent that anyone can commit such violence as a family gathered together.” She said her “thoughts are with the bereaved” and the people at the scene, including the emergency services who “have to deal with this senseless violence”.
She also urged anyone with information about the incident “of any kind” to contact Gardai.
‘HANDLESS ATTACK’
In a post on X, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, in whose constituency the incident took place, said: “Shocked to hear of a shooting today in Blanchardstown at a well-known family restaurant which I have visited many times. A full Garda investigation is ongoing. I also thank them for their solidarity with staff and customers.”
Local Dublin West TD and Children’s Minister Roderic O’Gorman called the shooting a “callous attack which put the lives of many people enjoying their Christmas night at risk”.
He added: I would like to thank the Gardaí, the emergency services and the staff at Connoly for their quick response.”
Castleknock Labor councilor John Walsh told the Irish Sun: “This is an appalling attack at a family restaurant in the heart of Blanchardstown village.
“It was particularly horrific as it happened in a crowded restaurant just before Christmas, endangering staff and people on a night out, including families with young children.
“My thoughts are with the staff and people in the restaurant last night and with the Gardai and emergency services who have to deal with the consequences of this senseless attack.
“A major Garda investigation is ongoing and I would urge anyone with information about this horrific crime to report it to the Gardai.
No one else should try to take the law into their own hands.”
And Fianna Fail Cllr Howard Mahony, of Fingal Borough Council, said the incident was “appalling”.
He told The Irish Sun: “What happened in Blanchardstown was appalling, especially for those people who were there, the innocent women and those who were present on the festive night out.
“(It takes place on) one of the happiest evenings and nights of the year, Christmas Eve. That’s terrible. Blanchardstown is a very quiet, peaceful village. It has become very advanced in recent years and that is very unusual.
“It’s a unique restaurant for a village like Blanchardstown and a very good restaurant indeed.
“Innocent children and families who were out on a holiday had to experience what they saw… I have no doubt it will take some time to get over it.”
“It is simply inconceivable. There is nothing I can say that would make it easier for them, the staff and the people who were present.”
Cllr Mahony also told how around 40 people had gathered in nearby streets for a song at the time of the violent incident.
He explained: “(From) the place where the restaurant is, two minutes around the corner is the church of Saint Bridget. 40 people would go to the carol mass. That’s what I find so terrifying. About that time someone showed up with a firearm, (went) inside, around the shops and the crowded restaurant.”
He added: “I can only imagine what the children and families are like. That’s all they think about.”
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The aftermath of the shooting at Browne’s Steakhouse
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Officers Investigate Shooting Incident at Browne’s Steakhouse Credit: � 2023 PA Media, All Rights Reserved
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