MAGUIRESBRIDGE, Co Fermanagh: A rural Northern Ireland community is in shock after a deadly shooting in the Drummeer Road area of Maguiresbridge left two people dead and two others seriously injured on Wednesday morning.
Police have named Ian Rutledge, a prominent sales specialist and owner of Rutledge Contracts – an agricultural contracting business based near Lisburn, Co Antrim – as the suspected gunman in what authorities believe was a domestic-related shooting.
According to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), Rutledge is believed to have shot members of his own family before turning the weapon on himself. He and one of his children were pronounced dead at the scene. Two others, also family members, were rushed to hospital with serious injuries.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) confirmed it responded to a 999 call at 8:21 a.m., dispatching multiple emergency units, including an air ambulance. One of the injured was flown to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, while the other was taken by road to South West Acute Hospital.
“There is no ongoing risk to the public,” PSNI said in an initial statement. “A full investigation is underway, and further updates will follow in due course.”
The tragedy has deeply shaken the quiet village of Maguiresbridge, described by former First Minister Arlene Foster as a “very sleepy little village.” Speaking from London, Foster said the news was “just absolutely devastating” and extended her sympathy to those affected.
“I just feel so sorry for everybody that has been impacted by what seems to be an absolutely horrific tragedy,” she said. “Those involved will need a lot of support in the coming days, and I am sure the community in Fermanagh will provide that.”
Foster also noted she personally knows members of the wider family affected by the incident.
Well-Known Co Fermanagh Sales Specialist Ian Rutledge
Well-Known Co Fermanagh Sales Specialist Ian Rutledge
Sinn Féin MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, Pat Cullen, also expressed his condolences. “Firstly, my thoughts are with the victims and their families at this tragic time,” he said, urging the public not to speculate as police investigations continue.
The area surrounding the scene was cordoned off for several hours, with traffic diverted away from Drummeer Road.
Well-Known Co Fermanagh Sales Specialist Ian Rutledge
Well-Known Co Fermanagh Sales Specialist Ian Rutledge
The loss of Ian Rutledge — a known figure in agricultural contracting circles — and the devastating toll on his family have left the local community reeling. Authorities continue to investigate the full circumstances surrounding the shooting.
