Pro-Palestinian Protesters Clash With Police During Biden Family Visit to Dublin

Former U.S. President Joe Biden, his wife Jill, and son Hunter faced a volatile protest in Dublin, Ireland, on Tuesday, during a surprise visit. The family was attending a ceremony at Trinity College where Hunter Biden was to receive a gold medal for his contributions to public discourse from the college's Historical Society. However, the visit quickly drew angry demonstrators outside the venue, protesting Biden's support for Israel during the conflict in Gaza. The protest escalated, with chants and slogans directed at the former president, including being called "Genocide Joe." As the Biden family departed under heavy Secret Service protection, some protesters attempted to breach the security cordon around their vehicles, throwing objects and milk cartons. Irish police intervened, using pepper spray to disperse the crowd and allow the motorcade to leave safely. At least two protesters were arrested during the confrontation. Trinity College confirmed the protest intensified during the family's departure but stated they left unharmed. The visit also included a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin, who welcomed the family and discussed their Irish heritage. Hunter Biden's medal award had already garnered attention due to his recent conviction for tax and gun offenses in the U.S., for which he received a presidential pardon from his father. The family's trip, intended as an honor, became a scene of significant protest in the Irish capital.