Two arrested as protesters target Biden’s Dublin visit

At least two people were arrested as pro-Palestinian protesters gathered during former US President Joe Biden’s surprise visit to Trinity College Dublin, where his son Hunter received an award.

At least two people have been arrested after pro-Palestinian protesters gathered during a surprise visit by former US President Joe Biden to Trinity College Dublin on Tuesday, BBC News reports.

Biden and former first lady Jill Biden attended a ceremony where their son Hunter received the Gold Medal for Outstanding Contribution for Public Discourse at the College Historical Society.

As the family left the venue, some protesters moved forward and objects were thrown, Irish broadcaster RTÉ reported.

Gardaí (Irish police) and public order unit vans were deployed to the scene as arrests were made.

Hunter Biden was convicted of gun and tax crimes in 2024 but was later pardoned by his father while he was still in office.

Previous recipients of the award include former Irish president Michael D Higgins, Bob Geldof, Patti Smith, Julian Assange and Desmond Tutu.

The Bidens also met Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Micheál Martin, who said on X they reflected on Biden’s “strong Irish roots”.