Irish man who attacked police at Lisbon Airport placed in preventive detention

The incident

On Monday afternoon, an Irish passenger attacked at least one airport employee and two security guards at Lisbon's Humberto Delgado Airport before police arrived. The altercation took place in the baggage claim area. Videos shared on social media show the suspect kicking and dragging a police officer.

Police response and injuries

PSP officers intervened around 16:10, but the man adopted what police described as an "extremely violent and aggressive posture." He attacked two officers, causing serious injuries including facial trauma. One officer was gravely wounded and required medical assistance. The suspect was eventually subdued and detained.

Court decision

The suspect, an Irish national aged 26 or 27 according to different sources, appeared before a judge on Wednesday. The court ordered preventive detention, the most severe coercive measure available. He faces charges of assaulting authority agents.

Government reaction

Minister of Internal Administration Luís Neves issued a statement condemning the attack.

Attacks against members of the security forces, who daily ensure the protection of all, are absolutely unacceptable and deserve the firm condemnation of the State.

Neves also wished the injured officer a speedy recovery and expressed solidarity with the police officers involved.

Broader context

The same court ordered preventive detention on Tuesday for another individual who assaulted a PSP officer in Amadora, a suburb of Lisbon. That suspect reacted violently when approached for a search after allegedly concealing items in his underwear. The two cases mark a rare cluster of serious attacks on police in the Lisbon area within days.