Protesters could be seen pushing police back.
Fireworks were launched at officers.
Four people were injured, as well as the assailant. Three of those who suffered injuries were children, and a five-year-old girl was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries. Two adults were also being treated for serious injuries.
"An Garda Síochána is following a definite line of Inquiry. This male, in his 50s, is a person of interest to An Garda Síochána in this investigation. An Garda Síochána is not looking for any other person at this time," the police said.
The assailant is in a Dublin hospital, Gript reports, and is apparently "not yet to be well enough to face garda interrogation." Authorities in Dublin have said that they believe the attack to be a one-off attack.
In a press conference, Gardai did not mention the man's nationality, and said that a terrorist motive was not suspected for the attack. It was later revealed that the suspect had immigrated to Ireland from Algeria.
"An Garda Síochána continues to investigate all the circumstances of a serious assault which occurred on Parnell Square East, shortly after 1.30pm this afternoon Thursday, 23rd November 2023," Gript reports the Garda as saying.
They stated that "Preliminary indications are that a male attacked a number of people on Parnell Square East," and that "five casualties have been taken to hospitals in the Dublin Region."
According to RTÉ, the incident took place around 2 pm on Parnell Square East, right in the center of the Irish capital. The suspect, who also sustained injuries and is in hospital, allegedly approached the group, attacking the woman before going after the children.
Ireland's police force, the Gardaí, have not revealed a potential motive, and do not believe it is terrorism-related.
Justice Minister Helen McEntee said in a statement that she was "deeply shocked by the appalling attack," adding, "This attack has shocked us all, and I have no doubt that the person responsible will be brought to justice, however, my thoughts now are with the innocent children and the woman who have been attacked, their families, and those who are caring for them at this time."
This stabbing comes as vigils have been held over the murder of Irish school teacher Ashling Murphy, who was killed while jogging in County Offaly. She was murdered by an Immigrant, a Slovak national.
Conor McGregor has been speaking out against the onslought of immigration in Ireland, saying that the nation is at war with immigrants.
This article and headline were updated to reflect the citizenship and immigration status of the suspect.
