A criminal investigation has been launched after a video circulated online showing three masked men – two appearing to be armed – issuing threats to elected representatives in the Newry, Mourne and Down area.
The footage shows one man seated at a table reading from a pre-prepared statement as two masked figures stand behind him.
The statement read: “To the people of Newry, Mourne and Down, we, the new Republican movement, have watched their councillors, MLAs, over the past 12 months. The level of disrespect shown to the people who put you into power. This cannot be ignored any longer. We 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.
“We will not sit back any longer and watch our culture and religion destroyed by the people we put in power. Also, the sexual indoctrination of our children, schools, has not gone unnoticed either. The new Republican movement will take immediate action against anyone who threatens our ways of life and the safety of our women and children. We have your addresses, know your movements; every one of you are legitimate targets. As of today, the new Republican movement. 28/11/25.”
The PSNI has confirmed it is now investigating the threats.
District Commander Superintendent Lynne Corbett said: “It is completely unacceptable that anyone should face such threats and intimidation for carrying out the duties of the office to which they have been democratically elected. We have commenced an investigation to identify those responsible.
“Police in Newry, Mourne and Down will continue engaging closely with our local elected representatives and will do all we can to ensure they feel supported and safe in our communities, and that they can undertake their role free from intimidation.”
The video has already drawn widespread political condemnation.
Sinn Féin MP Dáire Hughes described the threats as “sinister”, saying they were an attack on democracy and on the mandate given to elected representatives by the public.
