The riots that engulfed Dublin city following a knife attack on school children that left one girl clinging to life have been branded ‘white identity terrorism’ by the US Government.
A new US Department of State report said ‘Irish white supremacists and ultranationalists’ spreading ‘anti-immigrant’ disinformation online were to blame for the disorder.
The annual Country Reports on Terrorism found that Ireland was one of six countries dealing with ‘White Identity Terrorism’.
The report read: ‘In November, Irish white supremacists and ultranationalists online spread disinformation regarding the nationality of a stabbing suspect, arrested after stabbing two adults and three children. This anti-immigrant disinformation led to three days of white supremacist rioting in Dublin, injuring police and bystanders.’
The report also detailed how this form of terrorism gathers its followers and looked at the spreading of disinformation online as a tool to attract others to their cause.
‘Violent white supremacist, anti-government, accelerationist, and like-minded individuals promoted violent extremist narratives, recruited new adherents; raised funds, and shared tactical training – including weapon-making instructions – both online and in person.
‘Many attacks are inspired by transnational movements with adherents around the world who connect online. Attacks often are carried out by individuals who are part of anonymous online communities but lack formal ties to traditionally organised groups.
‘These actors are increasingly adept at exploiting social media platforms, online gaming platforms, gaming-adjacent platforms, smaller websites with targeted audiences, and encrypted chat applications.
‘They use these means to recruit new followers, plan and rally ideological support, and disseminate materials that contribute to radicalisation and mobilisation to violence. Rally ideological support, and disseminate materials that contribute to radicalisation and mobilisation to violence.’
The annual Country Reports on Terrorism, which monitors terror attacks around the world, listed Ireland as one of six countries impacted by ‘White Identity Terrorism’ (WIT) or ‘Racially or Ethnically Motivated Violent Extremism’ (REMVE).
It said the attacks, fuelled by the exploitation of social media platforms by anonymous individuals and online communities, constituted a ‘growing and transnational threat to the United States and our allies’.
Mass rioting and looting broke out in Dublin city centre on November 23, 2023, after three children and their carer were stabbed on Parnell Street earlier that day. Seven vehicles were set alight, including three buses, three Garda cars and a Luas tram.
The rioters also extensively damaged eight other Garda cars, attacked and damaged properties and broke into and looted several retail stores.
In addition, several gardaí were targeted and attacked, which left one officer in hospital with serious injuries.
A 50-year-old man has been charged with the attempted murder of the three children and causing serious harm to the care worker in connection with the knife attack.
Riad Bouchaker, of no fixed abode, remains in custody awaiting trial.
Meanwhile, many of the classmates of the children who were injured in the knife attack are still receiving therapeutic supports, their school has confirmed.
One girl, aged five at the time, who was critically injured in the incident suffered an acquired brain injury and cannot move or communicate as she used to.
Two other children sustained less serious injuries, while a care assistant was seriously injured.
In a statement, the school, located close to the scene of the attack, has said the incident continues to have a profound impact on its students and staff.
‘The critical incident … on November 23 last year – and the riots which followed it – were deeply traumatic experiences for our pupils, their parents, our staff and the wider school community,’ it stated.
‘From the moment the critical incident occurred, our focus has been on helping the children and the wider school community – many of whom are still receiving therapeutic supports – to recover.
