Two individuals were arrested Tuesday after protesters threw milk and other objects at former US President Joe Biden during a surprise visit to Trinity College Dublin, where his son Hunter Biden received the Gold Medal for Outstanding Contributions to Public Discourse.
Biden, accompanied by former First Lady Jill Biden, attended the ceremony at the College Historical Society. The visit was not widely publicized prior to the event. As the Bidens departed, demonstrators gathered outside the venue, with some moving forward to throw objects at the former president’s motorcade. Irish police, known as Gardaí, confirmed two arrests in connection with the incident.
Videos and reports from multiple outlets, including RTÉ and The University Times, showed protesters chanting phrases such as ‘Genocide Joe,’ ‘shame on you,’ and ‘blood on your hands.’ Milk cartons and other items were thrown as Biden was escorted to a waiting vehicle by security and police. One officer was splashed with milk while attempting to detain a demonstrator, according to footage.
Gardaí confirmed the arrests but did not immediately specify the charges. The protesters were removed from the scene as the Bidens’ motorcade departed. No injuries were reported among the Bidens or attending officials.
Background and Context
The protest centered on Biden’s record regarding the Israel-Hamas war, with demonstrators criticizing his administration’s support for Israel. Hunter Biden, who accepted the award, addressed the conflict in his acceptance speech, stating, ‘All of the people arguing whether to call it genocide. Let’s call it mass murder.’ He defended his father’s record, saying, ‘I know this man, and I know he attempted more than anyone to curtail and stop it.’ The elder Biden led a standing ovation after the speech.
Biden, who served as US vice president from 2009 to 2017 and president from 2021 to 2025, has faced ongoing criticism over his handling of the Gaza conflict. His administration provided military aid to Israel, which protesters argue enabled actions in Gaza. Biden recently disclosed a prostate cancer diagnosis, which he stated has limited his public appearances.
Official Responses and Enforcement
Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union president Amy Kennedy criticized the protest, stating, ‘This is not what student-led societies are meant to do.’ She accused the College Historical Society of inviting someone with a contentious record, though the society noted Biden attended as a guest, not an invitee.
Irish authorities described the protest as disruptive but did not provide further details on the objects thrown beyond milk cartons. RTÉ reported that police used pepper spray on two demonstrators before arrests were made. Footage showed officers detaining individuals, with one person struck with a baton during the process.
Timeline of Events
- November 10, 2026: Biden makes a surprise visit to Trinity College Dublin to attend Hunter Biden’s award ceremony.
- During the event: Protesters gather outside, chanting slogans critical of Biden’s Gaza policy.
- Post-ceremony: As the Bidens exit, protesters move forward, throwing milk and objects at the motorcade.
- Arrests made: Gardaí detain at least two individuals; pepper spray is used during the process.
- Aftermath: Biden departs the scene without reported injury. No further details on charges or investigations have been released.