The Algerian national who is the main suspect in the horrific school stabbing that saw three children and a carer injured was arrested earlier this year for possession of a knife, the Irish Daily Mail has reported.
The main suspect in the quadruple stabbing of four people including three children was arrested in May of this year for possession of a knife as well as criminal damage to a car. More in tomorrow’s Irish Daily Mail.
— Garreth MacNamee (@garmacnamee) November 25, 2023
The paper reported that the man “had come to Garda attention several times in the past year” and that he had been taken to court on charges but not convicted “due to a mental health report” that was produced in court.
The Irish Mirror reports that: “He appeared in Dublin District Court at the city’s CCJ in May. The judge in the case heard all the evidence, but made no order. That means the suspect was not convicted of any offence. A no-order decision is usually made when a judge rules that there was a significant mental health aspect to the case.”
The Algerian suspect is believed to have been living in hostel accommodation provided by Dublin City Council. He is also believed to have come to Ireland almost two decades ago, and have taken Irish citizenship a decade ago.
The stabbing at the Parnell East Gaelscoil has shocked the nation. One child is still in a critical condition in hospital while another child and a carer who was stabbed while intervening to save the children were also seriously injured.
On Thursday, Commissioner Drew Harris has said that he would not rule out a potential terrorist motive.
“I have never ruled out any possible motive for this attack… all lines of inquiry are open to determine the motive for this attack,” he said.
The suspect is in hospital under armed guard and the Gardaí are not looking for any other persons in relation to the incident.