Banbridge, Northern Ireland – A man in his forties, Brian McCourt, is fighting for his life after being shot in the abdomen by a masked man in a carpark on the Rathfriland Road. This violent attack is not the first time McCourt has been targeted. Last year, three innocent people were left shaken in a case of mistaken identity during an attack near the town.
McCourt remains in critical but stable condition following the shooting on Friday night. Police have arrested a 46-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder and conspiracy to murder. The suspect was later released on bail as investigations continue.
Authorities believe the gunman fled the scene in a silver Peugeot vehicle, which was later found burnt out in the Drone Hill Road area of Corbet, near Banbridge. The incident resulted in the closure of Drone Hill Road and Rathfriland Road temporarily before being reopened to the public.
Local politicians, including Alliance MLA Eóin Tennyson, have condemned the attack, describing it as a “sickening” act of violence. Tennyson expressed his sympathy for the victim and called for those responsible to be held accountable.
Members of the community have been left shocked by the shooting, with many emphasizing the need to remove guns from the streets. Sinn Féin councillor Kevin Savage urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist the police in their investigation.
DUP MP Carla Lockhart emphasized the importance of allowing the police to conduct a thorough investigation without speculation, while UUP leader Doug Beattie described the shooting as “appalling.” The sentiments shared by political leaders underscore the gravity of the situation and the collective call for justice and peace in the community.
The targeted nature of the attack on Brian McCourt has raised concerns about the safety and security of individuals in the Banbridge area. As the investigation unfolds, authorities and community members alike are committed to ensuring that those responsible for the violence are brought to justice and that steps are taken to prevent such incidents in the future.