Gardai investigating alleged threats towards Irish people and children made online have arrested a man this morning.
Gardai confirmed that they made the arrest in Abbeyleix and say there is ‘no ongoing threat to public safety at this time’.
There has been an online frenzy over the past couple of days when a video of a man making threats towards Irish people and children went viral online.
Following that video, posts online suggested that the man alleged to have made these threats was spotted in a range of locations across Laois.
The man was reported to have been seen in Portlaoise, Mountmellick and Mountrath over the last few days by members of the public.
However, Gardai say that they have now made an arrest on this matter.
They said: “Gardaí investigating alleged threats shared online have arrested one male in Abbeyleix, Co. Laois this morning, Wednesday 28th May 2025.
“The arrested male is currently detained at a Garda Station in the Eastern Region under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.
“There is no ongoing threat to public safety at this time.
“As a person is now in custody there is no further comment at this time.”
Independent Cllr Caroline Dwane-Stanley, who had called for action on this matter at Monday’s meeting of Laois County Council, thanked the Gardai for their work.
She said: “I welcome the news from An Garda Siochana that the man who caused huge concern in our community has been apprehended and arrested this morning in the Abbeyleix area.
“He is now arrested and in custody. I want to thank members of the public who contacted the Gardai since yesterday and I want to thank the Gardai for keeping me updated and the work they have done to apprehend this individual.
“We now need to let An Garda Siochana continue with there work on this matter.
“Thankfully people in the community will be relieved with this news.”
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