In an explicit death threat issued online against Mary Lou McDonald, the leader of Sinn Féin, which was voiced by an individual who stated he would fatally shoot her, is being probed by the Gardaí. The male suspect has been pinpointed, and the platform on which the video was promoted, TikTok, has proceeded to take down the disturbing content.
Ms McDonald stated that this serious threat follows a year of enduring online torment aimed at her, a situation she condemned as “unsatisfactory”. She added, “In the wake of a threat on my life last night released online, I was told I would be murdered. This act implies a surge in the targeted online harassment that I have fallen victim to over the past 12 months,” she disclosed in a statement on X.
Notably, this horrifying incident transpired as she mediated a discussion addressing zero tolerance towards violence perpetrated against women and girls, a situation she described as “ironic”.
In the contentious video, the man donned a balaclava as he aired his intention to kill Ms McDonald and proceeded to threaten Garda Commissioner Drew Harris similarly. Ongoing investigations by the Gardaí into the threats against both Ms McDonald and Mr Harris have put a spotlight on a certain suspect. The sleuths believe, although not yet confirmed, that the masked man starring in the incriminating video is a notorious criminal based in Dublin, renowned to the authorities due to his history of chaotic and violent offences.
A comprehensive criminal inquiry, which is likely to entail a thorough analysis of mobile phone data and irrefutable proof of the social media account’s history, is currently in progress. Though no further information was shared, the Garda Headquarters responded to inquiries by affirming their cognizance of the explosive footage shared via social media, the investigation into which is ongoing.
TikTok, on its part, concedes to having blundered by not removing the video, which featured one of its users threatening the lives of Ms McDonald and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris.
TikTok has taken down an account and a video associated with it following numerous reports. According to a TikTok insider, the company acknowledges their shortcomings in the handling of the situation. They should have acted promptly to remove the disturbing content. An internal investigation about the slip-up is currently underway.
This event was discussed on the News at One on RTÉ Radio, where Ms McDonald described the threat demonstrated in the video as a stark and abrupt one. She believes this incident marked an intensification of an ongoing year-long campaign of misogynistic and at times, racially motivated abuse directed at her. An Garda Síochána has been informed about the issue.
Ms McDonald emphasised her support for freedom of speech and her opposition to censorship. She expressed her belief that the goal of these attacks is to stir suspicion and create disruption in the relationship between her, Sinn Féin, and their supporters. She stated that the aggressive campaign escalated into an explicit life-threatening situation, which left her shocked. This matter is now in the hands of An Garda Síochána.
The safety of politicians has gained significant focus lately. Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar had expressed his concerns relating to his security on numerous occasions in his political career. During the Dublin riots, he was advised not to return home and had to seek shelter in a different location.
Furthermore, a recent survey revealed a worryingly high level of threat exposure – 94% of politician respondents and 72% of political staff reported experiencing some form of threat, harassment, abuse, or violence this year.