Garda who fatally shot George Nkencho will not be prosecuted

Nearly three-and-a-half years after the tragic death of George Nkencho, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has decided that the member of the Garda Síochána Armed Support unit who fatally shot the 27-year-old outside his home in West Dublin will not face prosecution.

The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) confirmed today that it was notified by the DPP of its decision not direct a prosecution in the case.

Nkencho's death on December 30, 2020, was the subject of an independent criminal investigation by GSOC. In June 2023, GSOC submitted its investigative file to the DPP.

According to its website, GSOC has notified "the Nkencho family of their entitlement under the Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Act 2017 to a summary of reasons from the DPP for its decision not to prosecute, as well as their statutory entitlement to request a review of the decision."

"While GSOC can make no further comment at this time, it will continue to engage with the Nkencho family in the context of Coronial proceedings and any other statutory processes that may arise," GSOC's statement continues. "GSOC further reiterates its undertaking to make the substantive detail of its investigation publicly available as and when other statutory processes permit it to do so."

On December 30, 2023, Black & Irish – a group that platforms the experiences of the Black and mixed race community in Ireland – marked Nkencho's anniversary with an online post, stating that, after three years, there were still "no answers."

"George Nkencho was shot and killed three years ago today," they wrote. "Promises were made to his family to have answers within a year. We are two years beyond that point and further delays are now being added. This case is now awaiting a decision from the director of public prosecution.

"George was a friend, brother and son. In his darkest moment, he was met with a blatant over use of force... This is a tragic case that never should have happened. We send our thoughts and prayers to George’s family and friends."

"Justice delayed is justice denied," the statement concluded. "We will not let this go or fade in memory."

The death of Nkencho sparked a series of protests in West Dublin. Hozier was among the high-profile figures who spoke out about the case in the immediate aftermath:

"The criminal investigation into the death of George Nkencho is to be welcomed," he wrote on social media in January 2021, "but regardless of how it turns out, this man was completely and utterly failed in his need for help. My heart breaks for his family and the loved ones he leaves behind, I cannot imagine the grief and trauma they are left with and I hope the family are offered the closure and justice they are due."