A video circulated online has shown three masked men – all of whom appear to be armed – issuing threats against elected representatives in the Newry, Mourne and Down district.
In the footage, two masked men stand behind another seated at a table reading from a pre-prepared statement.
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 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 threats have been widely condemned, including by Sinn Féin MP Dáire Hughes, who described the video as “sinister”.
A statement from the Newry and Armagh MP said: “The sinister threats issued by faceless thugs against elected members of Newry, Mourne and Down are an attack on democracy and on the mandate each of us as elected members receives from the public.
“Let me be crystal clear: these faceless individuals represent no-one and they will not deter me or my party colleagues from carrying out our work, every day, representing our constituents.
“Despite bombs planted at our offices and chilling threats made through social media, Sinn Féin will continue to stand up for our people.
“I send solidarity to each of my elected colleagues across our constituencies. Let us stand as one against these deluded individuals.”
Alliance Deputy Leader Eóin Tennyson MLA said the video “threatening violence against democratically elected representatives is vile and reprehensible”.
“Such threats have absolutely no place in our society and my solidarity is with every Councillor and MLA who has been targeted,” he said.
“This is not just an attack on politicians, but on the people they serve and the democratic process itself. These faceless thugs do not speak for our community, and they will not succeed in dragging us backwards.
“Alliance will not be deterred from serving the people who elected us. The people of Newry, Mourne and Down reject violence and coercion, and our local team will continue to build a brighter, more inclusive future for everyone who calls the district home.”
