Gardaí investigating social media posts on Dublin riots

Michael Bolton

Gardaí have said they are investigating social media posts from various accounts regarding the riots in Dublin last Thursday.

In a statement from An Garda Síochanna, they said: "An Garda Síochána is aware of a large volume of commentary and posts on a variety of social media platforms and messaging apps by a number of different individual accounts.

"An Garda Síochána continues to examine such comments, posts and messages to assess any potential breaches of criminal legislation."

Several people have since deleted social media posts potentially tying them to the riots.

The Irish Times are reporting that statements made by UFC fighter Conor McGregor is among the social media posts being examined by gardaí.

McGregor posted several comments on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, that were widely read and attracted positive comment from X’s owner Elon Musk. McGregor criticised Government policy on immigration and law and order and declared “Ireland, we are at war”.

In a later post, he said he did not condone the riots but “I do understand frustrations... and I do understand a move must be made to ensure the change we need is ushered in”.

Meanwhile, a five-year-old girl who was stabbed in the knife attack which preceded the riots in Dublin remains in an extremely serious condition in Temple Street Children’s Hospital. A school worker who received extensive injuries attempting to shield the children from the attacker also remains in a serious condition.