Politics news and discussion on TalkFuse.
‘Blood On Your Hands’: Pro-Palestine Protesters Appear To Throw Milk Cartons At Joe Biden During Ireland Trip
Two people were arrested after pro-Palestine demonstrators appeared to throw milk cartons towards Joe Biden and Jill Biden as they left Trinity College Dublin on 10 November. The protest, which had begun with anti-war speeches before the group knew of Biden’s visit, grew as the couple’s car moved through the college.
Video shared online shows protesters chanting “blood on your hands”, “shame on you” and “Genocide Joe”; it had been viewed three million times when the article was written. A student newspaper editor said Gardaí used pepper spray on two protesters, while police confirmed responding to an incident but gave no further details. Biden and his family had visited to support Hunter Biden, who received the college’s Gold Medal for Outstanding Contribution for Public Discourse.
In short
- Two people were arrested after a protest at Trinity College Dublin.
- Demonstrators appeared to throw milk cartons as the Bidens left.
- Gardaí confirmed an incident but did not give further details.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Protesters could argue that Biden’s support for Israel’s actions in Gaza makes public opposition during his visit a legitimate form of protest, drawing attention to civilian suffering and demanding accountability from a powerful leader. Their anti-war speeches and chants expressed political dissent, though throwing objects risks harming people and undermining the message.
The case against
Critics could argue that confronting Biden and Jill Biden with thrown cartons crossed from peaceful protest into intimidation and created avoidable risks for them, bystanders and police. They may also see disruption at a university ceremony as an unfair way to challenge a visiting public figure, while recognising that protesters had a right to voice opposition through peaceful means.
Explained simply
Joe Biden was president of the United States from 2021 to 2025, and Jill Biden is his wife. During his presidency, his government supported Israel, including with military aid, while also calling for steps to protect civilians in Gaza. That policy drew criticism from people who opposed the war and wanted the US to put more pressure on Israel.
Pro-Palestine demonstrations call for Palestinian rights and often criticise Israel’s actions and the countries that support it. “Gardaí” is the name for Ireland’s national police service. Trinity College Dublin is a university in Ireland’s capital, where Hunter Biden, Joe and Jill Biden’s son, received an award for his contribution to public discussion.