The Garda Commissioner has denied that Dublin'Â’s new Armed Response Unit is the first step in arming the force.
The ASU was unveiled today,– after being promised to deal with gangland crime in the wake of the Regency Airport shooting 10 months ago.
55 gardai make up the ASU which will be used to respond to critical incidents and in support of planned operations targeting gangland crime.
Commissioner Noirín OÂ’'Sullivan says the evolution of crime necessitates an armed response;At least 10 murders have been attributed to the violent Kinahan Hutch feud since last September.
Juliette Gash reports:
Commissioner Nóirín O'Sullivan & Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald at the launch of the Garda Armed Support Unit (ASU) https://t.co/ehhIPg4ynB pic.twitter.com/mwf4EYEGix
— An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) December 14, 2016
