The vicious murders of Aidan Moffitt and Michael Snee in Sligo over the last few days have shocked the country, with the LGBTQ+ community expressing fear for their safety following the suspected hate crimes.

In response, vigils are now being planned nationwide to memorialise the deceased men, with Wexford Pride mobilising quickly to organise an event on quayfront tomorrow night.

Gardaí stated that both men suffered significant injuries and were found dead in their homes on Monday and Tuesday. Gardaí are investigating the theory that the men were targeted through dating apps online, with homophobia a motive being considered by investigators.

The man, who is in his early 20s, is being held at Sligo Garda Station. He can be questioned for a total of 24 hours before being charged or released.

The LGBTQ+ community in Ireland are also calling on the general public to express solidarity following the horrific attacks, which were preceded by the assault on 23-year-old rugby player Evan Somers in Dublin last weekend.

Vigils in memory of 59-year-old Michael Snee and 42-year-old Aidan Moffitt will take place at 7pm tomorrow (Friday) on Wexford Quay; 6:30pm at the Town Hall in Kilkenny; 6pm in Drogheda (Tholsel); 6pm at Dáil Éireann, Dublin; 6pm at Sligo's Town Hall; 10am in John Roberts Square, Waterford; Saturday at 7pm in Eyre Square, Galway; Monday at 6pm in Limerick's Arthur's Quay Park - with more dates and locations to be confirmed.

Vigils around the country in memory of Michael Snee (59) & Aidan Moffitt (42).
Dublin: Friday, 6 pm at Dáil Éireann
Limerick: Monday, 6 pm in Arthur's Quay Park
Sligo: Friday, 6 pm at Town Hall
Waterford: Friday, 10 am in John Roberts Square
Galway: Saturday, 7 pm in Eyre Square

— Neuro Pride Ireland (@NeuroPrideIRL) April 13, 2022

Announcing details, Wexford Pride said: “Following reports of targeted acts of violence against members of the LGBTQIA+ community that resulted in the tragic loss of both Michael Snee and Aidan Moffitt over the course of the past week, Wexford Pride is calling on members of the public to join us on Friday, April 15 at 7 p.m. on Wexford Quay to express solidarity and stand together against targeted harassment and violence against our community.

“We would encourage those in attendance to bring along their pride flags and colours or any other tokens to express their solidarity.”

Dublin Pride also shared a message to their social media followers:

"In solidarity with our Pride community in Sligo and working with our LGBTQI+ sector partners we will also hold a vigil this Friday at 6pm at Dáil Éireann for Aidan Moffitt, Michael Snee and all victims of homophobic and transphobic violence," the group tweeted.

In solidarity with our Pride community in Sligo and working with our LGBTQI+ sector partners we will also hold a vigil this Friday at 6pm at Dáil Éireann for Aidan Moffitt, Michael Snee and all victims of homophobic and transphobic violence. https://t.co/1qSkrnTTfw

— Dublin LGBTQ+ Pride (@DublinPride) April 13, 2022

Limerick Pride will be holding a vigil on Monday, April 18th at 6pm in Arthur's Quay Park in memory of Michael Snee & Aidan Moffitt who were both murdered in their own homes this past week. We are calling for everyone to show your solitary, bring your colours & stand together 🌈 pic.twitter.com/TIx64FgeKW

— Limerick LGBTQ Pride Festival (@limerickpride) April 13, 2022

To our community in Sligo, our siblings in Pride, and the families and friends of Michael Snee and Aiden Moffitt our hearts are with you.

In solidarity and in memory a vigil has been organised in John Roberts Square at 6pm on Friday, we invite those who can to attend. https://t.co/KxDpGJBNcN

— Pride of the Déise (@DeisePride) April 14, 2022

Vigil in Kilkenny in memory of Michael Snee (59) & Aidan Moffitt (42).
May they Rest in Peace 😥 https://t.co/GwvigSJ4Ka

— Urlingford Town Team (@UrlingfordT) April 14, 2022

Speaking on the case, Garda Superintendent Aidan Glacken said: "Michael and Aidan were well known and respected in this community.

"They were assaulted and murdered in their own homes. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families at this time and indeed their friends and the wider community in Sligo."

It has been confirmed that a separate attack on another man in Sligo may be linked to the investigation. In that incident, a man sustained serious facial injuries.
Garda Supt Glacken added: "I am appealing to any person who may have been subject of any unwanted approaches or who was assaulted or otherwise attacked to contact the incident room at Sligo Garda Station.

"I have a dedicated diversity team here, we need to hear from you, we are here to listen to you and we are here to support you."

Detectives have appealed to anyone with information on either killing to come forward.

They are also keen to speak to anyone who may have been assaulted or the subject of what they describe as "unwelcome approaches" in Sligo over recent days.

They have reiterated advice to those using online dating websites or apps to exercise caution in their interactions with people who they do not know.