Outbreak of Violence in Dublin Following Shocking Stabbing of 5 People, Including 3 Children
Violent clashes erupted in Dublin after a shocking knife attack left three children and two adults injured The incident has deeply shaken the community, leading to intense confrontations in the city center
Protests turned violent in the central part of Dublin, Ireland on Thursday following a knife attack that injured three children and two adults earlier in the day. The streets of Dublin were reported to be relatively calm shortly before midnight, with police working to restore order after the attack and ensuing protests.
The Irish police, known as the gardai, informed CNN in a statement that they will provide additional information and details regarding specific incidents at the end of this operation. Earlier on Thursday, a video circulating on social media depicted a group of men engaging in violent clashes with officers in Dublin and setting a police car ablaze. Another individual in the footage was shown holding a sign that read "Irish Lives Matter," while some protesters were heard chanting anti-immigrant slogans such as "Get them out."
Gardai commissioner Drew Harris described the clashes as "disgraceful scenes" and attributed them to a "complete lunatic hooligan faction, driven by far-right ideology." Harris has instructed law enforcement to make arrests in reaction to the violence.
"We urge individuals to behave responsibly and to disregard the misinformation and rumors circulating on social media," stated the chief. "While the facts are still being determined, much of the speculation and gossip is being spread with malicious intent."
People stand in front of riot police, near the scene of a suspected stabbing that left few children injured in Dublin, Ireland.
A man in his 50s was arrested by police for stabbing multiple people, including a 5-year-old girl who is currently hospitalized with serious injuries. The suspect's nationality has not been disclosed by authorities. The attack occurred in Parnell Square, located in the city center, as reported by the gardai.
A 6-year-old girl is still in the hospital with less-serious injuries, while a 5-year-old boy has been discharged. Additionally, a woman in her 30s and a man in his 50s are both being treated for serious injuries in the hospital. The Irish police have stated that terrorism is not being considered as a motive for the "serious assault" in the city.
Gardai Superintendent Liam Geraghty, speaking in Dublin, assured the public that there is no terror-related activity in the stabbings. He confirmed a knife was used in the attack and commended the members of the public who intervened to stop the attacker.
"It seems to be an isolated attack and we need to find out the motives behind it," Geraghty stated, and mentioned that the police are maintaining an open mind during the initial stages of the investigation.
The police are in contact with the families of the children, as reported by the gardai. They stated that no additional suspects are being sought, but they have not disclosed further information about the incident.
European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed being "shocked" by the knife attack in a statement on X. Likewise, Ireland's deputy prime minister expressed being "deeply shocked by the serious incident in Dublin."
A spokesperson for the Irish police confirmed to CNN that the commissioner's statements about not ruling out terrorism as a possible motive behind the attack were accurate. According to the RTE, violent clashes have disrupted public transportation, leading to bus route diversions away from Parnell Square and the closure of one of the city's main train stations. Additionally, the city's public bus operator has suspended all bus services as of Thursday evening. Trinity College, a renowned university, has also closed all gates to its campus as reported by the RTE.
Shortly after the incident, Sinn Fein Leader Mary Lou McDonald stated that the violent attack had caused shock and horror throughout the community. Additionally, a Reuters video depicted a bus engulfed in flames and protesters confronting riot police, some of whom were kicking the police shields.
Irelands Justice Minister Helen McEntee condemned the protesters as "thugs" and "criminals" who were "exploiting this horrific attack to create discord and cause chaos in the city."
She informed reporters that the Gardai (police) are exerting every effort to restore order in the city.
CNNs Sugam Pokharel and Amy Croffey contributed to this report.
