Crime02 December, 20253 min read
Masked Gunmen Calling Themselves New Republican Movement Threaten Newry, Mourne and Down Elected Representatives, Brand Them 'Legitimate Targets'
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Three masked, armed men in a video branded local politicians 'legitimate targets'. Group identified themselves as the New Republican Movement in the circulated social media video.
6 outlets told this the same way.
Threats to elected officials
Masked, armed men posted a video on social media threatening elected representatives in the Newry, Mourne and Down area. They said councillors and MLAs were 'legitimate targets' and claimed to represent a group calling itself the 'New Republican Movement.' The footage was shared online in front of an Irish tricolour flag.
“The PSNI has launched a criminal investigation after a video circulated on social media showing three armed, masked men issuing an extreme threat to elected representatives in Newry, Mourne and Down.”
It features speakers condemning perceived disrespect and the decision to 'flood communities with undocumented, military-aged men.' One voice in the video says every elected representative there is a legitimate target.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland described the footage as unacceptable and opened a criminal investigation. Local media reported the incident, noting the masked men, the flag backdrop, and what appeared to be a firearm.
PSNI response to intimidation
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) opened a criminal investigation and said officers would work closely with local councillors to ensure their safety. At least one senior PSNI officer publicly condemned the intimidation as unacceptable. Councillors have been given security advice.
According to one report, some councillors provided home and work addresses to police after receiving repeated threats and misinformation about the council’s role on immigration. The PSNI confirmed it is investigating and said it will protect representatives so they can carry out their duties free from intimidation. Sources reporting these developments include Newry.ie, the BBC, The Irish News and Belfast Live.
Armed video and threats
The footage shows men filmed in front of a tricolour with one appearing to hold a sawn-off shotgun and another a handgun. Other coverage highlights the speakers' accusations about "flooding" communities with "undocumented, military aged men." The video's backdrop and weapon details underline the seriousness of the threats.
“Three masked, armed men in front of an Irish flag posted a video on social media threatening MLAs and councillors... claiming to represent a previously unknown ‘New Republican Movement.’”
Several outlets reported the material followed other menacing communications, such as a sinister voice message sent to councillors. They also noted a recent failed pipe-bomb attack at a local Sinn Féin office that some have linked to anti-immigration tensions. The combined imagery, threats and recent incidents have raised concerns about local tensions and public safety.
Politicians condemn threats
Local politicians across parties strongly condemned the footage. Sinn Féin MP Dáire Hughes called the threats an 'attack on democracy,' urged unity, and said such people 'represent no one.' Alliance Deputy Leader Eóin Tennyson described the threats as 'vile and reprehensible' and warned they threaten both politicians and the democratic process.
SDLP councillor Peter Byrne called the incident an escalation and highlighted prior threats. DUP MLA Diane Forsythe and other DUP politicians described the video as 'vile and cowardly.'
Political responses were framed as united denunciations of intimidation and as reassurance that elected members will not be deterred. Sources cited included Belfast Live and the BBC for the various statements.
Investigation of threat video
At present the identity and motive of those responsible remain unclear and reported accounts differ on context. Some outlets relay the video's claim of a group calling itself the 'New Republican Movement'. Other reports highlight local suspicions that the footage may be linked to anti-immigration activism, far-right actors, and the council's recent City of Sanctuary decision.
“The threats are suspected to be from far‑right activists and are believed to be linked to the council’s earlier decision to designate Newry a City of Sanctuary, which commits statutory bodies to support asylum seekers.”
All sources agree a criminal probe is underway and that elected representatives have been warned and given security advice. They differ, however, in which background or motive they emphasise. The PSNI investigation will be the central arbiter of fact, and until it reports its findings the precise origin and intent remain ambiguous.
