Two Men Charged in Attempted Murder of Northern Ireland Detective
Published 12 August 2025
Highlights
- Two men, aged 45 and 25, have been charged with the attempted murder of Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell in Omagh, County Tyrone, in February 2023.
- The suspects were arrested under the Terrorism Act in Stewartstown and west Belfast, respectively, and face charges of preparing terrorist acts and perverting the course of justice.
- The case is set to be heard at Dungannon Magistrates' Court, with charges subject to review by the Public Prosecution Service.
- Caldwell, a former senior officer in the PSNI, was shot multiple times while off duty, coaching a youth football team with his son present.
- Caldwell retired on medical grounds in December 2022 and was discharged from Altnagelvin Hospital in April 2023.
In a significant development in Northern Ireland, two men have been charged in connection with the attempted murder of Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell. The incident occurred in February 2023 when Caldwell, a senior officer with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), was shot multiple times while off duty at a sports complex in Omagh, County Tyrone. The attack took place as Caldwell was putting footballs into his car after coaching a youth team, with his young son present.
Arrests and Charges
The suspects, aged 45 and 25, were apprehended under the Terrorism Act on Monday. The 45-year-old was detained in the Stewartstown area of County Tyrone, while the 25-year-old was arrested in west Belfast. Both men have been charged with the preparation of terrorist acts and perverting the course of justice. They are scheduled to appear at Dungannon Magistrates' Court on Wednesday. The PSNI has confirmed that all charges will undergo review by the Public Prosecution Service, as is standard procedure.
Background on the Victim
John Caldwell, who retired from the PSNI on medical grounds in December 2022, has been a prominent figure in high-profile investigations targeting paramilitary groups and other criminal activities. Following the shooting, Caldwell was hospitalized at Altnagelvin Hospital and was released in April 2023. The attack has drawn significant attention due to Caldwell's role in law enforcement and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
What this might mean
The upcoming court proceedings at Dungannon Magistrates' Court will be closely watched, as they could shed light on the motives behind the attack and the extent of any paramilitary involvement. The charges of preparing terrorist acts suggest a broader context of organized crime or political violence, which could have wider implications for security in Northern Ireland. Legal experts anticipate that the Public Prosecution Service's review will be pivotal in determining the direction of the case. As the investigation unfolds, it may also prompt discussions on the safety of law enforcement officers in the region and the ongoing challenges posed by paramilitary groups.
