Irish police maintained a presence around looted stores while firefighters worked to extinguish smoldering vehicles in Dublin’s city center early on Friday. The unrest followed a stabbing incident involving three young children, triggering a night of rioting rarely witnessed in the capital.
Authorities attributed the violence to far-right agitators, who clashed with police after a small group of anti-immigrant protesters gathered at the scene near O’Connell Street. It took several hours for law enforcement to regain control as the crowd swelled to 200-300 people. A bus, tram, and police car were set ablaze, public transport ceased, and residents were advised to avoid large parts of the city.
Chief Superintendent Patrick McMenamin condemned the “gratuitous thuggery,” acknowledging attacks on police officers but reporting no serious injuries. Dublin Fire Brigade continued efforts to damp down a smoldering tram on O’Connell Street, and public transport resumed with restrictions.
Barricades remained on some streets, with police guarding looted stores like Foot Locker and the boarded-up Holiday Inn hotel. The violent episode followed a stabbing incident where a five-year-old girl sustained serious injuries. A man in his late 40s, treated for serious injuries, was arrested, and police indicated they were not seeking other suspects.
Authorities refrained from commenting on the man’s nationality or motive, leaving all possibilities, including terrorism, open. Dublin, accustomed to minimal rioting, witnessed an unusual escalation.
While far-right parties have no parliamentary representation, small anti-immigrant protests have increased, prompting a government review of parliamentary security after recent protests trapped lawmakers.
The stabbing occurred around 1:30 p.m. on Parnell Square, involving multiple victims. Public intervention prevented further harm, with a woman in her 30s also seriously injured, and two children, a five-year-old boy and six-year-old girl, sustaining less severe injuries.
Anti-immigrant protesters breached a police barrier, briefly engaging in hostile actions before a larger crowd escalated the situation, throwing objects and firing fireworks at riot police. The unrest dissipated around 9 p.m.
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Justice Minister Helen McEntee condemned the violence, characterizing the attackers as “thugs” seeking to exploit the tragic incident for divisive purposes. Authorities affirmed their commitment to restoring order and preventing further disruptions.