Gardaí are investigating a shooting incident in Co Carlow this evening during which one man died and a child was injured.
Details of the incident remain unclear but it appears a man fired a number of shots in the Tesco supermarket at the Fairgreen Shopping Centre at around 6.15pm.
The man was fatally injured during the incident, his gunshot wounds appear self-inflicted.
Gardaí have identified the deceased man as a white Irish male.
A girl sustained minor injuries in the incident. She was attended to by ambulance personnel at the scene and went home with family members.
Gardaí said it is unclear at this time as to how the girl's injuries were sustained.
The shopping centre was evacuated and gardaí sealed off the scene. The cordon will remain in place overnight.
Gardaí are also carrying out a wider security check of the area.
The Army Bomb Disposal Team was called in as a precaution as gardaí became concerned about the possibility that the man may have been carrying an explosive device.
The body of the man remains at the scene but will not be removed until the area has been declared safe.
Gardaí said there is no further concern for public safety.
Taoiseach Michéal Martin said he is "deeply shocked and saddened at the shooting incident in Carlow this evening".
In a post on X, he said: "My thoughts are with the families affected and the local community in Carlow after what was a very serious and traumatic incident.
"I urge anyone who has information to speak to the gardaí."
The Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris also expressed his concern.
In a statement, he said: "I understand a young child has been hurt and I join with people across our country in thinking of them and their family tonight.
"I am also thinking of all those who witnessed this situation and the awful shock and upset it must have caused them. I know their families and communities will rally to support them.
"This is a live garda investigation with the support of members of the Army Bomb Disposal Unit.
"I have been in touch with the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy, in relation to this incident and the assistance our Defence Forces are providing."
Mr Harris added: "It's important now that our gardaí can carry out this investigation thoroughly."
Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan expressed his solidarity with those impacted by the incident.
In a statement, Mr O'Callaghan said: "My thoughts are with everyone affected by the shooting and the community and families impacted including those working at the scene.
"This is something we never want or expect to happen in our communities. Gun violence is very rare in Ireland, and I am determined that will remain the case," added Mr O'Callaghan.
Gardaí have urged people not to share recorded footage of the incident on social media but to provide it to the gardaí at Carlow Garda Station.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Carlow Garda Station on 059-9136620 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
