Cathaoirleach of Longford Municipal District Councillor Seamus Butler has said the town is in shock following a shooting yesterday.
A man in his 70s was taken to hospital after the incident at a residential premises in Springlawn at around 7.50pm.
Cllr Butler said he fears that if the situation escalates, people will be killed.
"That was attempted murder last night here in Longford in a peaceful estate, in a good estate, and I would plead with people - do not retaliate," he said.
"Take the arms out of it, it's out of character. And Longford is a safe place and will continue to be."
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The man was taken to Regional Hospital Mullingar where his condition has been described as serious but stable.
Cllr Butler said the incident is "totally out of character with the neighbourhood".
"We cannot remember the last time that a firearm was used in the vicinity, it would be years back, and it's totally out of order.
"We all need the resources to find the perpetrators of this and bring them to justice and take them off the streets."
Gardaí have carried out a technical examination of the scene.
They are appealing for assistance, in particular from people who were in the Springlawn area between 7.30pm and 8pm yesterday, including those with video footage.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Longford Garda Station on 043 335 0570, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any garda station.
