Pictured: The gun used to kill journalist Lyra McKee, 29, who was shot dead during Northern Ireland riot
- Lyra McKee was shot while watching riots in Derry, Northern Ireland in April 2019
- The journalist, 29, was killed by the firing of a Hammerli X-Esse .22 pistol
- Northern Ireland police found the gun during a two-day search in Londonderry
- Derry resident Paul McIntyre, 52, has been charged with the Ms McKee’s murder
Images have been released of the gun used to kill Lyra McKee in Northern Ireland, after police confirmed it was the weapon used in shooting of the journalist.
Ms McKee, 29, was shot while observing rioting in the Creggan area of Derry in April 2019, with her death causing widespread condemnation across the world.
A Hammerli X-Esse .22 pistol was found during a two-day search in Londonderry last week, with police believing the firearm was stolen and used several times before Ms McKee’s death.
Images of the Hammerli X-Esse .22 pistol (pictured) used to kill journalist Lyra McKee have been released after Northern Ireland police confirmed it was the gun used in the 29-year-old’s death in April 2019
Police confirmed the the firearm jammed as it was fired by the gunman, who was also seen trying to eject the round of bullets (pictured)
The journalist (pictured) was killed while observing rioting in the Creggan area of Derry in April 2019
Jason Murphy, detective superintendent for the Police Service of Northern Ireland, said: ‘I can confirm that a gun that was seized and recovered by police last week in Derry was the gun that killed Lyra McKee.’
The detective also confirmed that the shot which killed the journalist was fired in the direction of officers.
Derry resident Paul McIntyre, 52, has been charged with the Ms McKee’s murder and will be tried in Northern Ireland without a jury.
Mr Murphy stated that advanced DNA technology was used to determine whether the gunman left traces on the weapon.
Derry resident Paul McIntyre (pictured) has been charged with the Ms McKee’s murder and the 52-year-old will be tried in Northern Ireland without a jury
Footage of Ms McKee’s death shows that the firearm jammed as it was fired by the gunman, who was also seen trying to eject the round of bullets.
Police believe this new information could be useful in trying to find the true history of events in this case.
Mr Murphy added: ‘Our collective efforts have lost no energy or focus. I know who was involved. I know who the gunman is.
‘I have asked the scientists to find me the evidence that will enable me to complete the jigsaw of the events of 18 April that I have been building for Lyra’s family since the night she was murdered.’
The detective also confirmed that ‘the net is tightening’ for the IRA.
Ms McKee’s death cause widespread condemnation across the world, with the incident helping to kick-start political talks surrounding the Stormont powersharing early this year.
The journalist’s funeral in April 2019 was attended by Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, President Michael D Higgins and former British prime minister Theresa May.
Ms McKee´s funeral (pictured order of service) was attended by many major political figures, including then-British prime minister Theresa May (not pictured)
Mr Murphy said: ‘Last night, I had the unenviable task of telling Lyra’s family and her partner Sara that after months of painstaking work, the gun that killed Lyra has been removed from the terrorists’ control.
‘Understandably they are relieved that no other family will ever have to face the devastation arising from the use of that gun, that they have been forced to face for the past 15 months.
‘This is also a very difficult moment for all of them, as they struggle every day to deal with Lyra’s brutal murder.’