Arrest of Two Individuals for Alleged Attempt on Life of Senior Police Officer in Northern Ireland (John Caldwell)
In the evening of February 22, 2023, Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell, an off-duty police officer, was shot multiple times by masked attackers near a leisure centre in Omagh, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. The incident occurred while Caldwell was packing up after coaching a youth football team, accompanied by his young son and other children[1][2][4].
The shooting drew widespread condemnation, including from then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who described the shooting as "disgraceful"[1]. Caldwell suffered life-changing injuries and subsequently retired from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) on medical grounds[1][2][4].
Tragically, three individuals have died as a result of the shooting in Northern Ireland. The investigation into the incident has been complex and circumstantial, with several individuals already charged in connection with the case[2].
In August 2025, two men, Caoimhin Murphy (25) from Coalisland and Liam Robinson (45) from Stewartstown, were arrested under the Terrorism Act in connection with the attack. Both men have been charged with preparation of terrorist attacks and perverting the course of justice related to the attempted murder[1][2][4]. They appeared in Dungannon Magistrates' Court by videolink and were remanded in custody pending further hearings.
The shooting is linked to dissident republicans, and the New IRA claimed responsibility for the attack[1][2][4]. The PSNI has taken several individuals for questioning in connection with the shooting. A 45-year-old man from the Stewartstown area and a 25-year-old man from west Belfast were arrested earlier in connection with the alleged attempted murder of Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell[1][2][4].
Protests in Co Tyrone were held in solidarity with Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell against paramilitary violence. A property in west Belfast and a vehicle have been seized by the PSNI in connection with the investigation[1][2][4].
Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell's bravery and resilience in the face of adversity have been lauded by many. The shooting incident remains a stark reminder of the ongoing threat of paramilitary violence in Northern Ireland.
Timeline:
- February 22, 2023: John Caldwell shot multiple times near leisure centre in Omagh while off-duty and with his son.
- Before Feb 22, 2023: A separate, failed attempt to murder Caldwell occurred.
- December 2023: Caldwell retired from the PSNI on medical grounds due to the injuries sustained in the shooting.
- August 11-13, 2025: Two men arrested and charged in connection with the attempted murder, with court appearances following shortly thereafter[1][2][4].
This summary synthesizes the latest available information on the attempted murder incident and subsequent investigation involving Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell in Northern Ireland.
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