Banbridge, Northern Ireland – A man is in critical but stable condition after being shot in the abdomen by a masked assailant in a carpark on Rathfriland Road. The victim, identified as Brian McCourt, in his forties, was the target of a violent assault that left three innocent individuals shaken in a case of mistaken identity the previous year.
Sources reveal that McCourt, a resident of the Banbridge area, was the intended target of a prior violent incident where a woman was injured, and two elderly individuals were left traumatized after the windows of a property were shattered. The recent shooting has shocked the local community, prompting condemnation from political figures and calls for information to aid the investigation.
Alliance MLA Eóin Tennyson described the attack as “sickening” and expressed hope for McCourt’s full recovery. He emphasized that such violent acts are not representative of the community and urged anyone with information to come forward to assist law enforcement in their inquiries.
Sinn Féin councillor Kevin Savage echoed the sentiment, urging those responsible for the attack to cease their actions and urging witnesses to cooperate with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). Meanwhile, DUP MP Carla Lockhart stressed the importance of allowing the police to conduct a thorough investigation without speculation.
The incident has sparked concerns about the presence of firearms in the area, with UUP leader Doug Beattie labeling the shooting as “appalling.” As the investigation unfolds, authorities are appealing for any information that could shed light on the circumstances surrounding the violent attack on Brian McCourt, as they work to ensure the safety and security of the community.