A video surfaced on social media on November 28 showing three masked men, one holding what appeared to be a handgun, declaring local elected representatives in the Newry, Mourne and Down district as "legitimate targets."
The group, identifying as the "New Republican Movement," cited frustration with "mass immigration" and the "sexual indoctrination of children in school" as justification for their threats.
In the footage, posted on X and quickly amplified by accounts like @RadioGenoa and @MickOKeeffe, a southern-accented speaker reads from a prepared statement: "We are proud men of Ireland, we are patriots. Your policies and decision-making regards to flooding our communities with undocumented military-aged men is not acceptable."
He added, "We have your addresses and know your movements. Every one of you are legitimate targets as of today." The threats follow the district council's September 2025 vote to become a "Council of Sanctuary," welcoming refugees and asylum seekers. The group, described as a far-right republican faction, has no known prior history.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) launched a criminal investigation on December 2, confirming it as a "vile and cowardly" attack on democracy.
Elected officials received security advice amid widespread condemnation. Sinn Féin MP Dáire Hughes called the perpetrators "faceless thugs" seeking to "drag Northern Ireland back to a dark past."
DUP councillor Gary Stokes echoed demands for action, urging unity against exploitation of immigration concerns. SDLP leader Peter Byrne noted the council's limited role in immigration policy.
The video, viewed over 2 million times, has fuelled online debates on immigration amid rising tensions in the region. Authorities warn against vigilante actions, emphasizing legal recourse.
