A member of An Garda Síochána is in a critical condition in hospital after being shot a number of times in an attempted mugging, while on holidays in America.
Garda Brian Hanrahan, who is currently based in Newcastle West, Co Limerick, but hales from Killenaule, Co Tipperary, suffered spinal injuries and a bullet wound to the leg.
While news of the shooting is only emerging today; the 32-year old Garda who is a married father-of-one, was attacked in the 7th Ward area of New Orleans just before 5.40am on Monday last.
From reports Mr Hanrahan was approached by a black man armed with a gun. The perpetrator is understood to have demanded money to which the victim, who was holidaying with his father, refused. This refusal resulted with the gunman shooting at his victim multiple times, before the former fled the scene.
The victim and his father were driving across the United States and had stopped only briefly in New Orleans when this gun crime occurred.
Mr Hanrahan’s wife and baby are believed to be still in Ireland presently, but a hospital spokesperson from ILH Interim LSU Hospital in New Orleans to which Mr Hanrahan was rushed, has stated the officer is now stable and recovering well.
ILH Hospital is the major teaching hospital for the Louisiana State University New Orleans Schools of Medicine, Nursing, Dental Medicine and Allied Health resident and student training programs, and a major teaching hospital for Tulane University School of Medicine residents and students.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends and working colleagues at this time.
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