Belfast Taxi Driver Shot in Gang Feud, Critical in Hospital

A taxi driver in Belfast is fighting for his life after two masked men opened fire through his car window in broad daylight. The attack took place in the Bell Steel Manor area of Dunmurry at approximately 10:30 AM on Sunday, February 23.

The victim, Sean O'Reilly, was shot once in the shoulder, while four other bullets missed him. Emergency responders from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) arrived quickly and transported him to Royal Victoria Hospital, where he remains in a critical but stable condition.

This incident comes at a time when the taxi industry in Belfast is already facing significant challenges. According to reports, a Belfast taxi boss has highlighted the decline of 2,000 taxis in Northern Ireland, raising concerns about safety and working conditions for drivers.

Police have launched an investigation, describing the incident as a targeted attack. An armed response unit has been deployed in the area, and Bell Steel Road near Laurelbank Junction has been cordoned off.

Possible Motive Behind the Shooting

Authorities suspect that the attack is linked to an internal dispute within the dissident republican group Óglaigh na hÉireann (ONH). O'Reilly is a member of the Republican Network for Unity (RNU), a political group opposed to Sinn Féin’s support of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

According to reports, a breakaway faction of ONH is attempting to join the New IRA, leading to growing tensions within the group. Police believe this feud may have led to the attempted murder.

The Belfast Telegraph reported that O'Reilly had been publicly threatened by a dissident republican in a local garage just two weeks before the attack. Investigators are now looking into whether the shooting was a revenge attempt or part of a broader power struggle.

Police Investigation and Community Reaction

Forensic officers have recovered five bullets, a glove, and footprints from a muddy grass verge at the scene. Police are urging witnesses and anyone with CCTV, dash-cam, or doorbell footage to come forward.

Detective Chief Inspector Miller stated:

"Our investigation is at a very early stage and we urge anyone who was in the area at the time, and who may have information, dash-cam, CCTV or doorbell footage which could assist with our enquiries, to get in touch on 101, quoting reference number 664- 23/02/25."

Local political figures have condemned the attack, emphasizing its impact on the community.

Sinn Féin MLA Danny Baker expressed deep concern over violence in a busy public area:

"This is an extremely busy area in our community, with many local families and children passing through to visit shops, attend sports training and go about their daily lives. There are a lot of children going to training, and they're going to come out and see this. It's not nice. Our community does not want this."

People Before Profit councillor Michael Collins also denounced the attack, urging residents to reject gang-related violence:

"There is no support for this kind of violence from any section of the community. The news today comes as a shock to the good people of Poleglass who want no truck with the paramilitary violence of the past. These kinds of actions destroy families and only serve to drag working-class communities backwards. I wish the man who was the victim of this heinous attack a speedy recovery and unreservedly condemn this senseless act of violence."

The PSNI remains on high alert as the conflict among republican factions continues to escalate.