Waterside Railway Station lit up in rainbow colours to mark 2nd anniversary of Lyra McKee’s murder
The Guildhall and Waterside railway station with the City of Derry airport and Derry City and Strabane council buildings were lit in rainbow colours this weekend.
Other buildings across the North of Ireland were also lit in the LGBT colours as renewed calls were made for witnesses to her killing to come forward.
Ms McKee (29) was killed by a single shot from a New IRA gunman as she observed a riot in Creggan’s Fanad Drive on Thursday, April 18, 2019.
Paul McIntyre (52) of Kinnego Park in the city is charged with her murder and awaiting committal proceedings ahead of a non-jury trial.
A second man is facing hijacking, arson of a vehicle, riot and petrol bomb offences over the events on the night of her death.
Police have also charged a third man with possession of the firearm that was used in Ms McKee’s murder, but he has not been charged in connection with the events of the night of her murder directly.
Detective Superintendent Jason Murphy said: “The investigation into the murder of Lyra still remains very active and I would like to thank the community for their incredible response throughout our investigation.
“I want to re-state the commitment of the police service to work with the community as we collectively seek to release communities from the influence of terrorists.”
Ms McKee’s family have also sent letters to 8,000 addresses in Derry appealing for information about her killing.
The National Union of Journalists has joined the calls for those with information to come forward.
Guildhall Clock lit up in rainfow colours for Lyra McKee
“We hope that the second anniversary will prompt witnesses to come forward with new information,” he said.
“In the immediate aftermath of the killing there was a climate of fear and intimidation in Derry, but it is vital that those responsible for the killing of a brave, talented and courageous journalist are brought to justice.”
He added: “It is fitting that in Derry public buildings will be lit up in rainbow colours and there will be many tributes to Lyra’s remarkable legacy.
“That is as it should be, but the greatest tribute to Lyra would be the arrest and prosecution of all those responsible for her killing.”
NUJ general secretary Michelle Stanistreet said: “Lyra wrote eloquently of the need to protect the hard won peace which followed the Good Friday Agreement and was acutely aware of the need to encourage people away from violence.
“At this time, her voice and her fine journalism is sorely missed.”
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