Rihanna’s former bodyguard is shot and injured in a shotgun attack in Dublin

A high-profile bodyguard who previously protected Rihanna has been injured in a shotgun attack in Dublin, Irish media reports.

Geoffrey Keating, 46, was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries after being shot by an unknown assailant this morning.

Police are investigating the incident and a large garda presence is said to remain at the scene in the suburb of Finglas.

Mr. Keating claims to have been under active threat for a number of years and previously warned authorities that there was a contract on his life, according to local media.

He worked as security chief during pop star Rihanna’s Diamonds tour in 2012 and 2013 and was pictured with the singer at the time.

Speaking to the Sunday World in August, the former security officer claimed there was a €15,000 hit on his head.

He claimed a threat had been made against him over false claims that he was a Garda informant.

Keating further claimed that he had obtained the name of the person behind the threat and that they had been released from a Dublin prison in the summer.

Geoffrey Keating, 46, was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries after being shot by an unknown assailant this morning

Keating claims to have been under active threat for a number of years and previously warned authorities that there was a contract on his life

He claimed to have contacted gardaí on several occasions after learning of the alleged threat, but said he had not received a response.

‘I am very concerned about this. Very worried, he said at the time.

‘I’m prepared, but I’d also be a fool if I wasn’t worried. I have gone back into safe mode in my house.

‘I have top-of-the-range CCTV around the house, so I have every angle of approach to the house covered. But it’s still hugely worrying. I believe this threat is very credible.

‘If I was advising a family that was in this situation, I would advise them to do a whole lot to strengthen security. People should not be exposed to this level of threat!’

Gardaí confirmed the shooting had taken place in the Woodbank area of ​​Finglas today.

“Gardaí are investigating the discharge of a firearm which occurred in Finglas, Dublin 11, today, Wednesday 18 December 2024, at approximately 10.30am,” a spokesman said.

‘A man (in his 40s) was transported to Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown for treatment of injuries which are not believed to be life-threatening at this stage.’

About ten years ago, Mr. Keating a defamation suit against Rihanna. However, the case was discontinued in 2015, which brought the case to an end

Gardaí said inquiries are ongoing and urged any road users or pedestrians who were in the Woodbank area of ​​Finglas, Dublin 11, between 9:00 and 10:30 this morning, to share any footage or photos they may have.

“Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to this incident to come forward,” the spokesman said.

About ten years ago, Mr. Keating filed a defamation suit against Rihanna, alleging that a series of false statements were sent in an email to him and his wife by the singer in July 2013.

He claimed that the allegations and statements in the email had seriously damaged his reputation and his business.

Although no details of the alleged defamatory remarks were outlined, Mr. Keating’s lawyer said the email contained allegations that were “sickeningly offensive”.

However, the case was discontinued in 2015, which brought the case to an end.