Man rampages with axe, threatens Garda officers in Sligo

A man named Damien O’Sullivan went on a violent rampage in Sligo, Ireland, using an axe for seven hours. This incident took place on May 1, 2024. O’Sullivan, aged 32, threatened police officers while chasing them with the axe and damaged several police vehicles. On the night of the attack, officers responded to a 999 call around 1 AM. When they arrived, O’Sullivan was very agitated. Garda Mark Irwin described feeling helpless when O’Sullivan ran toward their van with the axe. He reported that O’Sullivan charged at the officers, forcing them to retreat and seek help. The Garda Armed Support Unit was called, but it would take them 40 minutes to arrive. Meanwhile, officers tried to subdue O’Sullivan with pepper spray, which did not stop him. He started smashing the patrol van’s windows with the axe and continued to threaten the officers inside. Garda Irwin feared for his life as O’Sullivan swung the weapon dangerously close to him. After several hours, the standoff ended when O’Sullivan was tasered around 8 AM. He later pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including endangering the lives of the officers and causing significant property damage. O’Sullivan's lawyer stated that he has ongoing mental health issues, and O’Sullivan expressed remorse for his actions. Judge Keenan Johnson has remanded O’Sullivan in custody until July 15 for sentencing. The judge also ordered that he receive urgent psychiatric care.