Former US President Joe Biden’s car was pelted with objects by pro-Palestinian protesters outside Trinity College Dublin on Tuesday, as he left a surprise visit to the campus with his wife, Jill Biden. Gardaí arrested at least two people during the disturbance.
Biden had travelled to Dublin for his son Hunter Biden’s receipt of the Gold Medal for Outstanding Contribution to Public Discourse, awarded by Trinity’s College Historical Society. Joe Biden did not speak publicly during the visit.
Protesters gathered on campus ahead of his arrival, accusing the former president of complicity in “genocide” in relation to the war in Gaza and declaring he was “not allowed on campus.” Video circulating online shows demonstrators chanting “Blood on your hands!” as Biden made his way to his vehicle.
As Biden entered the car, objects were thrown at it and some protesters attempted to approach the vehicle before Gardaí intervened. Footage shows officers struggling to hold back the crowd while objects struck near the car door.
Gardaí confirmed at least two arrests were made in connection with the disturbances outside the college.
The incident has drawn attention online, with commentary split between criticism of the security breach and debate over the protesters’ targeting of a former Democratic president over his administration’s record on the conflict in Gaza.
