Dublin: In a shocking incident on Thursday in Dublin, a knife attack left five people injured, including three young children. The assault, which occurred on Parnell Square around 13:30 GMT, triggered widespread riots in the city center, leading to clashes between riot police and anti-immigrant protesters.
The motive behind the attack remains uncertain, with authorities not ruling out any possibilities, including terrorism. Public transport was suspended, and nearby facilities, such as a maternity hospital, advised patients to avoid unnecessary travel amid the unrest. The violence escalated as rioters set a double-decker bus ablaze near the Daniel O’Connell statue on O’Connell Street. A Holiday Inn hotel, a McDonald’s restaurant, and a Footlocker store also fell victim to vandalism and looting.
Dublin, unaccustomed to such widespread unrest, witnessed scenes of chaos and disorder. Police Commissioner Drew Harris, condemning the violence, deployed 400 officers to restore order. A police car was torched during the clashes.
The incident has raised concerns about the rise of far-right ideology, with Commissioner Harris describing the perpetrators as a “lunatic, hooligan faction” driven by such extremist beliefs. While Dublin currently lacks far-right political representation, small anti-immigrant protests have gained traction over the past year.
Amid conflicting statements, Commissioner Harris emphasized that all lines of inquiry related to the attack remain open. Earlier reports suggesting the incident was not terror-related were contradicted, with Harris urging caution and an open-minded approach to determining the motive.
A five-year-old girl sustained serious injuries and was undergoing emergency treatment, while a man in his late 40s, treated for serious injuries, was arrested in connection with the attack. Authorities clarified that they are not seeking any other suspects. A woman in her 30s was also being treated for serious injuries, while the two other children, a five-year-old boy and six-year-old girl, suffered less severe injuries. The boy has since been discharged from the hospital. As the city grapples with the aftermath, the government is reviewing parliamentary security following a recent protest that trapped lawmakers inside.