Five people, including three young children, were injured in a knife attack in Dublin on Thursday, leading to riots in the city center. The motive for the attack remains uncertain, and police have not ruled out any possibilities, including terrorism.
Public transport was halted, and clashes between riot police and anti-immigrant protesters erupted at the scene. A double-decker bus was set on fire, and violence targeted businesses, with a Footlocker store being looted.
Police Commissioner Drew Harris condemned the violence, attributing it to a “lunatic, hooligan faction” with far-right ideologies. The unprecedented riots in Dublin occurred despite the absence of far-right parties or politicians in parliament.
While a senior officer initially indicated that the incident was not terror-related, Commissioner Harris emphasized that all lines of inquiry were open, and the motive remained uncertain.
A five-year-old girl sustained serious injuries and was undergoing emergency treatment, while a man in his late 40s, also seriously injured, was arrested as the sole suspect. Contradictory statements from officials led to confusion about the nature of the incident.
Anti-immigrant protests have gained traction in the past year, prompting the government to review security around parliament. The situation prompted a strong police response, deploying 400 officers to restore order.
Justice Minister Helen McEntee denounced the attack as an opportunity for “thugs” and “criminals” to sow division. The riots occurred in the context of increased net migration in Ireland and the arrival of approximately 100,000 Ukrainian refugees. The government is determined to address the situation and restore order in the aftermath of this disturbing event.
