Gardaí did not commit offence in responding to Fitzgerald shooting, says Fiosrú
Evan Fitzgerald, from Kiltegan in Co Wicklow, who died in a shooting incident at the Fairgreen Shopping Centre in Carlow on 1 June 2025. Photo credit: Family handout/An Garda Siochana/PA Wire
AN investigation into how gardaí handled the shooting incident at Fairgreen Shopping Centre in Carlow on 1 June 2025 has led to a finding that there was ‘no criminal offence or disciplinary breach’ by those members who attended the incident.
The independent statutory investigation into the death of Evan Fitzgerald (22), Kiltegan, Co Wicklow was limited exclusively to events at the shopping centre on that day and how gardaí responded to the 999 calls, as required by law.
Mr Fitzgerald was arrested alongside two of his friends in March 2024 after purchasing what he thought was a military-grade rifle, handgun and ammunition on the dark web.
On 1 June 2025, he arrived at Fairgreen Shopping Centre with a stolen shotgun and fired one shot into the air when gardaí arrived shortly after 6.15pm, then turned it on himself. He died from the self-inflicted wound.
The investigation was opened the day after the incident, 2 June 2025 because of a garda superintendent referral. Fiosrú, the Office of the Police Ombudsman, had to establish whether an act or omission of a garda or gardaí may have resulted in a person’s death or serious harm.
In a finding released today (Wednesday), Fiosrú said it found ‘no criminal offence or disciplinary breach by gardaí’ on the day and at the location in question.
It has closed the investigation and its investigators have notified Evan Fitzgerald’s family and relevant gardaí.
They continue to liaise with the family and the inquest into Evan Fitzgerald’s death is yet to take place.
Fiosrú said it extends its condolences to the family members on their tragic loss.
