Man arrested after damaging U.S. C-130 with axe at airport in Ireland

A man has been arrested after entering a restricted area at Shannon Airport in western Ireland and causing extensive damage to a U.S. military C-130 Hercules aircraft with an axe, according to police and local media reports.

The breach happened at about 9:45 a.m. Saturday when the man was seen in an unauthorized area near a U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules transport aircraft parked on a remote taxiway, according to the Irish Examiner.

The outlet reported that the man climbed onto the wing of the aircraft and used a tool, possibly an axe, to damage the fuselage. One source told The Journal that the damage to the aircraft was extensive.

Airport Police officers and Shannon Airport’s fire and rescue service responded to the scene, along with Gardaí, Ireland’s national police force, and members of the Defence Forces who were on duty at the airport.

Mobile stairs were used to reach and detain the suspect. Airport Police also carried out a patrol of the perimeter to determine how he gained access to the restricted area.

An Garda Síochána said the suspect, an adult man in his 40s, was arrested shortly before 11 a.m. on suspicion of criminal damage.

Shannon Airport Group said airport operations were suspended at about 9:50 a.m. and resumed at 10:15 a.m. No motive has been released, and the investigation is ongoing.