Gardaí Investigate Threat Against Taoiseach Simon Harris and Family

Gardaí are investigating a serious threat made against Taoiseach Simon Harris and his family over the weekend.

The threat, posted on Instagram, mentions a weapon and includes violent threats aimed at Harris, his wife, and children.

Despite Garda’s requests for removal, the post remained online for at least two days, during which it was widely viewed, screenshotted, and recirculated.

The threat, which also references the Wicklow Mountains, has been described by Gardaí as dark and sinister. They took the matter seriously and requested InsInstagram’s assistance identifying the account holder.

The account used for the threat is private, set up under a common Irish name with three numbers, and it remains unclear if the post is still visible to those with access.

Gardaí became aware of the threat late Saturday night. They have initiated a criminal investigation and are seeking copies of the threat and additional related information. Instagram has been contacted for comment on their actions regarding the post.

A Garda spokesperson noted that it is not the GardaíGardaí’sto request social media companies to remove threatening content, and these companies can take action independently. The current investigation into the threat against Harris is the second of its kind. Gardaí are also looking into a bomb threat made to his home in Wicklow six weeks ago.

No device was found in that case, and the main suspect, currently serving a prison sentence for unrelated offences, remains under investigation.

Threats against politicians have become increasingly frequent, affecting the Taoiseach and other figures such as Minister for Justice Helen McEntee and Minister for Integration Roderic O’GormO’GormanTD Paul Murphy.

The Assistant Commissioner in charge of State security confirmed that Gardaí have intensified their efforts to protect politicians, employing overt and covert surveillance to address online and in-person threats.