''It is tragic and it is an attack upon us all.''
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has described the murder of Detective Garda Colm Horkan as a random act.
The 49 year old was on patrol in Castlerea, Co. Roscommon when he stopped a man who was creating a disturbance shortly before midnight.
A physical altercation broke out, during which the man took Garda Horkan's gun.
He was then shot a number of times and died at the scene.
Commissioner Harris says an act like this impacts the whole of society.
''What we have here is a random act and obviously a violent act, which has led to the death of Detective Garda Horkan'', he said.
''It is tragic and it is an attack upon us all, policing is an extension of good citizenship and we should acknowledge that this belittles us all and actually it grieves us all''.
Tributes.
The Taoiseach led tributes to Detective Garda Horkan, saying his thoughts are with all those grieving as a result of the shooting.
Leo Varadkar said gardai put themselves on the frontline every day and sometimes they make the ultimate sacrifice in the course of their duties.
Meanwhile the Justice Minister says he’s shocked and saddened at the shooting, saying the garda’s heroism will never be forgotten.
Charlie Flanagan described him as a brave garda who died protecting the community.
He is survived by his parents, sister and three brothers.
