Former President Joe Biden’s surprise appearance in Ireland turned chaotic Tuesday when pro-Palestinian protesters confronted his entourage outside Trinity College Dublin, shouting accusations and throwing objects as security officers rushed to escort him away.
The confrontation unfolded following an awards ceremony honoring Biden’s son Hunter, who received recognition from one of the university’s historic student societies.
Video footage captured demonstrators shouting at the former president as he approached a waiting black vehicle surrounded by security personnel.
“Genocide Joe,” protesters yelled.
Others shouted “shame on you” and “you’ve got blood on your hands,” expressing anger over Biden’s handling of the war in Gaza during his presidency.
The situation escalated when protesters began throwing objects toward the group, including what appeared to be milk cartons.
Footage showed white liquid splashing near Biden’s entourage, with at least one police officer being doused during the confrontation.
It remains unclear whether any of the objects struck Biden himself.
Irish authorities confirmed Wednesday that three men were arrested in connection with the disturbance.
The individuals were described as being in their 50s, 30s and late teens.
Police said the oldest suspect was scheduled to appear in court, while the other two were released without charge.
Harper Alderson, editor of Trinity College’s University Times student newspaper, told Irish broadcaster RTÉ that officers also deployed pepper spray against two protesters.
The chaotic scenes followed what had initially been a celebratory evening for the Biden family.
Hunter Biden was honored with the College Historical Society’s Gold Medal for Outstanding Contribution to Public Discourse.
His father and former first lady Jill Biden attended the ceremony, with the former president making an unannounced appearance.
Inside Trinity’s examination hall, attendees applauded when they noticed Biden entering the room.
He took a seat in the front row while his son addressed the gathering.
During his remarks, Hunter became emotional while discussing his family’s intervention during his struggles with addiction.
The former president reportedly bowed his head during that portion of the speech before later leading a standing ovation for his son.
However, the evening also included questions about the Biden administration’s policies toward Israel and Gaza.
Hunter defended his father’s decisions while acknowledging the suffering caused by the conflict.
“I think that my dad tried to make the best decisions at the time with the information that he had,” Hunter said.
He also urged critics to focus their attention on the current Trump administration rather than continuing to blame his father.
“Where’s that energy for the current administration?” Hunter asked.
“Let’s focus on what we can change now rather than looking into the past and deciding who to blame.”
The comments came against the backdrop of demonstrations that repeatedly followed Biden throughout his presidency.
His administration faced sustained criticism from pro-Palestinian activists over American military assistance to Israel during the Gaza conflict.
Biden also attracted controversy after publicly questioning casualty figures released by the Gaza Health Ministry.
Tuesday’s confrontation demonstrated that those grievances continue to follow the former president even after his departure from office.
The Dublin ceremony also came nearly two years after Biden issued a sweeping presidential pardon to Hunter in December 2024.
Hunter had previously been convicted of federal gun offenses in June 2024 and pleaded guilty to federal tax charges that September.
The overseas trip occurred as Biden continues managing serious health challenges.
The former president disclosed his prostate cancer diagnosis in May 2025 and recently acknowledged that his condition would limit promotional appearances for his upcoming memoir, “Promise Me, America.”
Despite those circumstances, Biden traveled to Ireland for his son’s ceremony and a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, per Trending Politics.
The two met at the Merrion Hotel, where Martin later said he thanked Biden for his longstanding support of Ireland.
Speaking to reporters at Tallaght Stadium, the Irish leader praised Biden’s role in defending the Northern Ireland peace process, particularly during Britain’s departure from the European Union.
Martin credited Biden with opposing potential changes that could have undermined the Good Friday Agreement.
“These interventions at that time were particularly effective and impactful in a beneficial way for Ireland,” Martin said.
The diplomatic meeting presented a sharp contrast to the hostile scenes outside Trinity College.
What began as a family celebration and diplomatic visit ultimately drew international attention after protesters confronted the former president over decisions made during his time in the White House.
Although Biden was escorted away and there were no reports that he was injured, the incident resulted in multiple arrests and renewed scrutiny of his administration’s controversial handling of the Gaza conflict.
