LAST UPDATE | 1 Sep

GARDAÍ HAVE LAUNCHED an investigation into a significant online threat against the family of the Tánaiste Simon Harris. 

Gardaí were alerted today to a specific and detailed threat – it is understood it was posted on a popular social media platform on Sunday morning.

Detectives immediately initiated an investigation and have been liaising with the media platform concerned which has offices in Dublin.

In a statement released in the early hours of this morning, Simon Harris said: “This weekend, I received direct threats targeting my family. As a father, I have very strong views and feelings on this as you can imagine. As a political leader, I find it unacceptable in every way.

“Let me be clear: threatening people—any person – is a crime. Threatening children is despicable. It is cowardice. And it is a line that no decent society should tolerate being crossed. I will not comment further on any ongoing Garda investigation.”

The Special Detective Unit (SDU), which is the State’s counter terror specialists, is involved in the probe as is the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau.

Sources have said that the SDU detectives involved in the investigation are drawn from a team within that organisation which is focused on investigating far right extremism.

Tánaiste Simon Harris, Minister for Defence, Foreign Affairs and Trade, has already been at the centre of significant security concerns. Protests have been held at his home in County Wicklow and there has been a large amount of online threats published on various online platforms. 

Harris travels with a significant garda protection detail. As revealed by The Journal his home has a 24 hour armed post and threats are closely monitored by State intelligence services. His detail is at a similar level to a sitting Taoiseach.

A garda spokesman said this evening: “An Garda Síochána is currently investigating this matter.”

The garda spokesperson would not comment on the details of the threat.