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Key Information Missed Before George Nkencho Shooting
16 Jan
Summary
- Mental health status of George Nkencho was shared but not seen by dispatchers.
- Four armed officers were deployed to a scene involving a man with a knife.
- The defense argued a negotiator should have been called to the scene.
An inquest examining the death of George Nkencho, who was shot multiple times by gardai outside his west Dublin home on December 30, 2020, has revealed critical information gaps. A Garda dispatcher confirmed sharing that Mr. Nkencho had mental health issues, but the dispatcher overseeing the armed response units stated they did not see this information. This occurred as shop workers and customers reported seeing Mr. Nkencho armed with a knife and assaulting a store employee.
Despite the individual being initially described as a "pedestrian with a knife," four armed officers were dispatched. The dispatcher in charge explained this was a precaution due to the suspect being mobile and the potential for a hostage situation. However, when questioned about the missed mental health information on the Computer Aided Dispatch system, the dispatcher claimed they did not see it at the time.
The inquest also heard that no negotiator was requested for the scene, with an inspector suggesting that the rapidly evolving and unclear situation, including the individual's movement and unknown identity, likely did not permit time for such a deployment. The defense for Mr. Nkencho's family questioned whether haste was prioritized, a suggestion the inspector denied.
