Overview
- Gardaí said the gathering was not a peaceful protest and described sustained attacks on police lines with bricks, fireworks and lasers, as well as the arson of a Garda van.
- Nearly 300 officers were deployed, including public order units, mounted and dog teams, air support and a water cannon, with one officer treated for a foot injury and six people arrested for public order offenses.
- GB News reported thousands on the streets and extensive damage in the area, with running confrontations continuing late into the night and the use of pepper spray and riot shields by police.
- GB News reporter Dougie Beattie said he and his crew were pepper-sprayed and knocked to the ground by Gardaí; police declined to comment on operational matters and pointed to the formal complaints process and respect for journalists’ rights.
- The unrest followed outlet reports of an alleged sexual assault involving a man described as African and a young Irish girl, and Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan condemned the violence and cautioned against the weaponisation of a crime.