Two Men Charged in Ireland Following Alleged Far-Right terror plot
Portlaoise, Ireland – Two men have been charged with explosives offenses in connection with an alleged planned terrorist attack linked to a far-right extremist group, following a joint operation by Irish adn Northern Irish police forces.
Karolis Peckauskas, 38, from Drogheda, County Louth, and Garrett Pollock, 35, from Annalong, County Down, appeared before Portlaoise District Court on Friday. The charges stem from evidence presented to the court indicating a potential threat to migrant accommodation and other targets within Ireland.
During the hearing, authorities presented a video recording allegedly featuring four masked individuals claiming duty for a prior attack on a mosque in Galway. The individuals in the video reportedly threatened further attacks and warned against any interference with their group, designating potential opponents as “targets.” Judge Cody, after viewing the recording in a closed session, described it as a “practice statement” following a simulated or actual terror event.
Police also revealed the existence of a document described as a “manifesto” outlining the alleged group’s ideology.
Garrett Pollock faces charges related to the possession of components potentially used to construct pipe bombs and incendiary devices, discovered during a search of his home by the Police Service of northern Ireland. Both Pollock and peckauskas are jointly charged with possessing four threaded pipe end caps and six litres of hydrogen peroxide, found in Portlaoise.
Detective Declan O’Connor informed the court that authorities believe Pollock was actively planning a terrorist attack on behalf of a right-wing extremist organization.
The inquiry remains ongoing, and both men have been remanded in custody pending further proceedings. The cross-border police operation highlights the growing concern over the activities of far-right groups and the potential for politically motivated violence in Ireland and Northern ireland.
