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Six Arrested as Citywest Protest Turns Violent With Garda Van Set Alight

A man has been charged in the alleged sexual assault of a 10-year-old who had absconded from Tusla care during a supervised trip.

Overview

  • Gardaí reported bottles, bricks and fireworks thrown at officers, a police van burned, and a helicopter targeted with lasers, with one officer treated for a foot injury.
  • Public order units in full protective gear deployed pepper spray, mounted and dog units and a water cannon to push crowds back from the asylum accommodation site.
  • Crowd estimates ranged from several hundred to about 2,000, with Irish flags displayed, chants of “get them out,” and Luas Red Line services curtailed near Saggart.
  • Six arrests were made and Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly labeled the disorder “thuggery,” pledging to identify additional suspects as a senior investigating officer was appointed.
  • Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan condemned the violence, as Gardaí continue the active investigation into the alleged assault near the Citywest complex.