Dublin has been rocked by violent riots following a knife attack near Gaelscoil Choláiste Mhuire, resulting in five people, including three children, being hospitalized. The riots, characterized by looting, arson, and attacks on the Gardai (Irish police), have been attributed to far-right elements, as stated by Garda Commissioner Drew Harris. These disturbances, erupting in Dublin’s city center, underscore the volatility of public sentiment and the dangers of extremist ideologies.
The knife attack, which occurred at 1.40 pm on Thursday (23 November) on Parnell Square, prompted immediate intervention from bystanders who managed to disarm and subdue the assailant. Among the victims, two young girls sustained serious injuries and are currently hospitalized, while a five-year-old boy has been discharged. The two adult victims, a man and a woman, are also receiving medical treatment for serious injuries. A man in his 40s or 50s, seriously injured in the incident, has been identified as a person of interest by the police, who are not seeking any additional suspects.
Following the stabbing, crowds began to gather in Dublin city center, with some individuals directing abuse at the Gardai. The situation escalated rapidly, with protesters donning balaclavas and hoods, attacking police officers, setting off flares and fireworks, and causing widespread chaos. This outbreak of violence has been condemned by Garda Commissioner Harris, who cautioned against heeding misinformation spread on social media.
President Michael D Higgins, in a statement, decried the exploitation of this tragic event by groups opposing social inclusion principles, emphasizing the need for adherence to the rule of law and democratic values. The riots have put immense pressure on emergency services, with Ambulance Services reporting high activity levels and cautioning about extended wait times for non-life-threatening cases.
The unrest has also impacted healthcare accessibility, with the Rotunda Hospital advising patients to avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary. Public transportation services, including buses and trams, have been suspended overnight due to arson incidents, and Trinity College Dublin has initiated a lockdown on police advice. Additionally, the 3Arena remained open after Thursday night’s AnneMarie concert to ensure patron safety.
Justice Minister Helen McEntee, speaking to Virgin Media News, called for calm and strongly condemned the exploitation of the knife attack by a minority to instigate criminal acts and sow division. This incident highlights the challenges faced by modern societies in balancing freedom of expression with the need to maintain public order and safety, especially in the context of rapidly spreading misinformation and extremist ideologies.