Copyright Baltimore News
Irish police on Wednesday condemned a riot that took place outside a hotel housing migrants near Dublin. An Garda Síochána Commissioner Justin Kelly said Tuesday’s event, which happened after a migrant's alleged of a girl near Citywest Hotel in the village of Saggart, was a violent attempt to damage the building and intimidate its occupants. The rioters attacked officers, trying to break their lines while burning their vehicles, Kelly explained. “This was not a peaceful protest,” he said. “Peaceful protest does not involve throwing bricks, bottles and discharging fireworks directly at Gardaí. Peaceful protest does not involve trying to breach the Garda cordon with horses and scrambler motorbikes. Peaceful protest does not involve persons arming themselves with weapons. Peaceful protest does not involve burning Garda vehicles.” Kelly noted that one officer was injured and treated at a hospital. An Garda Síochána said in a that nearly 300 officers were at the scene, including 125 uniformed police and 150 “public order” officers, as well as air support and staff in regional control rooms. The force added that it also used horse and dog units and a water cannon. “I utterly condemn the attacks on Gardaí who did their jobs professionally and with great courage to keep people safe,” Kelly said in the release. “Public order units, dog unit, mounted unit, air support and the water cannon were deployed along with front-line colleagues, which brought the situation to a conclusion." Police have arrested at least six people, five of them males, the commissioner said. The men in custody may represent a trend in public disorder, according to Kelly, who explained that young, internet-influenced males were also imprisoned for serious offenses in a 2023 riot against migrants. “My clear message to persons attending any public gatherings is do not get involved in violent disorder. Reckless decisions in this regard may affect the course of your future,” Kelly warned. “An Garda Síochána’s response to any public gathering will be fair and proportionate. However, I can promise that we will have a robust response again to any further disorder.” The commissioner noted An Garda Síochána is investigating the circumstances of the . He expressed the belief that more offenders will be identified and “face justice.” “This violent disorder impacted the local community, business and public transport in the Saggart area, directly affecting local residents. This is totally unacceptable,” Kelly said. Another gathering at the hotel has been planned on social media, the commissioner added. Have questions, concerns or tips? Send them to Ray at .
