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New IRA apologizes as it admits killing Irish journalist Lyra McKee

A book of condolence at Belfast City Hall in memory of murdered journalist Lyra McKee.
A book of condolence at Belfast City Hall in memory of murdered journalist Lyra McKee. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA Images via Getty Images

The New IRA claimed responsibility for the killing of LGBTQ investigative journalist Lyra McKee and apologized for her shooting death in a statement to The Irish News Tuesday.

The latest: Hours after the statement, police said they had arrested a 57-year-old woman under the Terrorism Act in connection with McKee's murder.

What they're saying: "In the course of attacking the enemy Lyra McKee was tragically killed while standing beside enemy forces," the New Ira said in its statement, which The Irish News reports used a recognised codeword. "The IRA offer our full and sincere apologies to the partner, family and friends of Lyra McKee for her death."

The backdrop: The New IRA is the largest dissident republican group operating in Northern Ireland, per the Irish Examiner. It came to prominence in 2012 after forming from an amalgamation of smaller groups.

Ireland