Carlow Gunman Identified as Evan Fitzgerald, 22, Was Facing Firearms and Explosives Charges

 Dublin : Authorities have formally identified the man who opened fire at Fairgreen Shopping Centre in Carlow on Sunday evening before taking his own life. Evan Fitzgerald, a 22-year-old from Portrushen Upper, Kiltegan, Rathvilly, Co Carlow, was confirmed by Gardaí as the individual behind the disturbing incident that sparked widespread panic among shoppers.

Sources close to the investigation have revealed that Fitzgerald was on bail and awaiting trial on 13 serious firearms and explosives-related charges, and was due to appear before Naas District Court this Wednesday. He was expected to receive the book of evidence, a procedural step that would have moved his case forward to trial before a judge and jury later this year. Had he been convicted, Fitzgerald faced a potential sentence of up to 14 years in prison under Ireland’s stringent firearms and explosives legislation.

With his death, all legal proceedings against him will now be terminated.

Incident at Fairgreen Shopping Centre

Fitzgerald, whose home is located approximately 27 kilometres from the Fairgreen Shopping Centre, arrived at the busy retail complex on Sunday evening and discharged multiple rounds from a firearm, causing chaos and prompting an immediate Garda response.

However, investigators have since confirmed that no other individuals were harmed, and there is no evidence that he intended to target anyone else. A senior source familiar with the inquiry told The Irish Mirror:

“He did not shoot at anyone else and we believe he did not want to. The shots he fired were not aimed at anyone.”

Authorities now believe the shooting was a deliberate act of public suicide rather than a targeted attack. The motive behind the act is still under investigation, but Gardaí are treating it as a tragic culmination of personal and legal pressures faced by the young man.

Ongoing Investigation

The scene at Fairgreen was cordoned off for several hours on Sunday night as forensic teams and detectives conducted a detailed examination. The Gardaí have since confirmed that Fitzgerald acted alone, and there is no ongoing threat to public safety.

Mental health services have been made available to staff and shoppers affected by the traumatic incident, while local representatives have expressed shock at the event and called for greater attention to the intersection of criminal justice and mental health.

The Garda investigation remains open as they continue to piece together the events leading up to Sunday’s shooting. Anyone affected by the incident is urged to seek support through the HSE and other crisis response services.