Irish police are still searching for the submachine gun used in the botched attack on a Dublin steakhouse on Christmas Eve.
Suspected gangster Tristan Sherry, 26, opened fire on Jason Hennessy Snr while he was eating at Browne's Steakhouse in Blanchardstown, west Dublin, at around 8pm on December 24.
Sherry was promptly overpowered and reportedly stabbed nearly 30 times, killing him. But somehow gardai don't know where his submachine gun is.
Both Sherry and Hennessy Snr – who is in a critical condition – are known to police for their alleged involvement in drug crime. Detectives say the attack on the steakhouse on Sunday was likely unplanned and that Sherry may have been pressured by his gang members to carry out the attack.
The claim emerged as it was reported that Sherry also tried to kill a rival during the Corduff Feud, a series of more than 70 incidents of arson, shootings and assault in Ireland in 2019, according to The Irish Sun. Investigators say he fired seven shots at a car in the village of Mulhuddart.
“Sherry has been in business for a number of years,” a source told The Irish Sun. 'He was the main suspect in the 2019 shooting in the village of Mulhuddart and then on Christmas Eve he went looking for another man. But he was never the smartest, and this shooting underlines that.”
It comes as Sherry's family have set up a fundraising page with the aim of raising €7,000 (£6,077) to cover funeral costs.
The page was set up yesterday and has so far received 27 donations, of which €550 was donated by family, friends and well-wishers, with some donations of up to €100.
Tristan Sherry (pictured) is alleged to have shot a man at Browne's Steakhouse in Blanchardstown, west Dublin, on Christmas Eve. However, after entering the restaurant, Sherry was overpowered and stabbed to death during the attack
Footage shows restaurant shouting 'someone's about to get punched' on footage as gunman stormed steakhouse in Dublin
Police have cordoned off the area around the steakhouse where the incident took place
The attacker, believed to be Sherry, stormed into the restaurant which was packed with people – including young families – who all witnessed the attack.
Video of the aftermath shows a young child being removed from the building by his parents.
It is understood that Sherry came in with another person and targeted a man in his 40s.
A source told The Irish Sun that the attack was unfolding in a way that was bound to lead to chaos.
“There's one way into that restaurant and one way out. To walk in covered and with a gun, as he did in a crowded restaurant, it just caused total chaos,” they said.
“And it appears that after the shooting he tried to find another exit but couldn't. He was then arrested and it is clear that he himself suffered a horrible death.'
After the attack, Sherry's accomplice reportedly fled the scene in a white Audi, as reported by Irish news.
It is not known whether police have yet been able to locate the second unidentified suspected attacker.
Victim Hennessy Snr was later taken to Connolly Hospital in Dublin and remains in a critical condition.
The motive for the shooting is said to be an ongoing feud between drug gangs in Corduff, Blanchardstown and Finglas in north Dublin.
Both sides have been exchanging attacks since 2019. Gardaí fear all-out war between the two factions following Mr Sherry's death.
Sherry was found to be involved in an attack on a man in the village of Mulhuddart in 2019, during which seven shots were fired at a car.
Gardaí had already identified the threat and warned the victim that his life was in danger, allowing him to flee unharmed before burning out his own car and refusing to cooperate with the investigation.
Sherry's family has set up a crowdfunding campaign to raise money for his funeral.
On the GoFundMe page, Mrs. Hand wrote: “Hi, my name is Marey Hand and my son was murdered on Christmas Eve, his name was Tristan Sherry.
'We created this to raise money for his funeral costs at this difficult time. We are absolutely devastated that this has happened.
“He was known for his love of motorcycles and was loved by many. He was a wonderful son, brother, father and friend. We can't believe that life has to go on without him.'
Sherry's 'heartbroken' mother, Marey Hand, has now set up a fundraising page with the aim of raising €7,000 (approximately £6,077) to cover funeral costs
On Christmas Day, a shocking video was uploaded to social media, appearing to show Sherry lying in the street covered in blood
As a result of the shocking attack, Garda headquarters have authorized additional armed and uniformed patrols to counter any reprisals.
This includes the Corduff area of Blanchardstown, but it is understood that the areas of Finglas, known as the strongholds of the other gang's leaders, will also have an increased Garda presence as a result of the attack.
In the hours after the incident, several videos of the aftermath of the event were shared on social media.
In one video, a man is seen lying on the ground covered in blood as he is repeatedly kicked and punched in the head with a chair.
Other videos show people hiding under tables and screaming.
Gardaí have appealed to the public to stop sharing these videos and instead provide them with any information that can help them arrest the perpetrators of the attack.
Justice Secretary Helen McEntee has condemned the attack, which is believed to be linked to a vicious feud in west Dublin that has already been responsible for a large number of attacks.
“I regret the violence in Blanchardstown,” she said.
“This cruelty has led to unimaginable human suffering this Christmas.
'That someone could commit such violence when families come together is utterly disgusting.
'I think of the relatives, of those who were on the scene and of all the emergency services staff who are working tonight and over Christmas and have to deal with this senseless violence.
“I would urge anyone with information of any kind to contact An Garda Siochana.”
Gardai outside Browne's Steakhouse in Blanchardstown on Christmas morning after the shocking shooting incident
This is the second gangland murder of the year. It comes after Brandon Ledwidge, in his twenties, was shot dead as he opened the door to his home in Finglas, north Dublin, last month.
Gardaí do not believe the two shootings are linked.
They also urged people to be aware of serious misinformation being shared on social media regarding the latest shooting in Dublin.
A Garda spokesperson said on Monday: 'Gardaí continue to investigate an incident which occurred at a property on Main Street in Blanchardstown Dublin 15 at around 8pm on Sunday.
'A man in his twenties was fatally injured. A second man (40 years old) is still being treated for gunshot wounds. His condition remains serious.
“A control room has been set up at Blanchardstown Garda station. The local Gardaí are assisted by the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI).
The investigation is being led by a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) and a Garda Family Liaison Officer (FLO) has been appointed to liaise with both families.
'An Garda Síochána is aware of videos of the incident and immediate aftermath circulating on social media and messaging apps. We appeal to the public not to spread these videos further.
'We also appeal to the public to be aware of the significant level of speculation, disinformation and disinformation circulating.
'Gardaí have increased the number of uniform patrols in the Dublin region, with support from armed patrols including the Garda Armed Support Unit.
'Anyone with information about this incident or who may have video footage is asked to contact Blanchardstown Garda Station on 01 666 7000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any other Garda station.'