Two Arrested After Former President Biden’s Visit to Dublin College

At least two people were arrested following a surprise visit by former US President Joe Biden to Trinity College in Dublin on Tuesday. Biden attended the event with former first lady Jill Biden, where their son Hunter was honoured with a prestigious award. The visit was met with protests that escalated as the family departed the venue.

Visit Highlights and Ceremony

Joe Biden and Jill Biden visited Trinity College to attend a ceremony celebrating their son Hunter Biden, who received the Gold Medal for Outstanding Contribution for Public Discourse. The award is given by the College Historical Society, which has previously recognised notable figures such as former Irish president Michael D Higgins, Bob Geldof, Patti Smith, Julian Assange, and Desmond Tutu. The Bidens’ attendance at this event brought significant attention to the college.

Pro-Palestinian Protests and Garda Response

During the visit, groups of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside the College Historical Society. Some of these demonstrators were detained by gardaí, the Irish police force. As the Bidens were leaving the venue, some protesters advanced towards them and threw objects, prompting a response from law enforcement. Garda officers and public order unit vans were present on site to manage the situation, resulting in at least two arrests.

Meeting with Taoiseach Micheál Martin

In addition to the ceremony, the former president and his family met with Ireland’s Taoiseach, Micheál Martin. Martin expressed his pleasure at welcoming the Bidens and remarked on the strong Irish roots reflected in the family. He shared his thoughts on X, highlighting the warm nature of their conversation and reinforcing the importance of the Good Friday Agreement during their discussions.

Hunter Biden’s Background and Recent History

Hunter Biden’s recognition at Trinity College is notable given his legal history. In 2024, he was convicted of gun and tax crimes in the United States but was later pardoned by his father, then president Joe Biden. This made Hunter Biden the first child of a sitting US president to have been convicted of a crime. The award ceremony and public discourse surrounding Hunter Biden’s actions and subsequent pardon have attracted considerable attention.

The visit, the protests, and the subsequent arrests underscore the complex and often contentious nature of public events involving high-profile political families. It also highlights ongoing issues of political activism in Ireland, especially surrounding international topics.