Gardaí have refuted false claims that a serious disturbance in west Dublin arose after an armed migrant man attacked local schoolchildren. The claims were made on social media posts which reached a large audience.
The group fight in Blakestown did not involve any migrants or any adult men. It was instead a street brawl between groups of schoolchildren, all of whom appeared to be wearing school uniforms during the incident outside a supermarket in the area.
Garda Headquarters on Friday issued a statement refuting the claims on social media that the incident involved an adult migrant. The move to release the statement rejecting the claims comes as part of the Garda’s efforts to rebut disinformation and misinformation being generated by far right agitators. The content is shared by other social media users who do not check the accuracy of the information.
Rather than investigating any involvement by an armed migrant man on schoolchildren, a group of pupils is under investigation and gardaí have been in contact with staff at their school and youth diversion officers.
The Incident
The Garda said its members responded to a call about a public order incident at approximately 1.45pm on Thursday on Blakestown Road, Dublin 15.
“All those involved in this incident are school students and Irish nationals. The incident is contained within the school and did not involve an adult male,” the Garda said.
Combating Misinformation
“An Garda Síochána is very conscious of the volume of misinformation and fake news in circulation regarding this incident – particularly on social media and direct messaging platforms.”
Addressing the Misinformation
The Garda's response highlights the growing concern over the spread of misinformation online, especially in relation to sensitive events. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for critical thinking and responsible information sharing in the digital age.
The Garda's Role
Gardaí emphasize their statutory role in preserving peace and public order and urge anyone with information about any crime to report it for thorough investigation. They also underscore the importance of verifying information shared on social media and messaging apps, especially during sensitive events. The incident in Blakestown serves as a reminder of the impact of misinformation and the need for responsible online behavior. The Garda’s proactive approach to addressing misinformation is crucial in ensuring public safety and trust in information.
Conclusion: A Call for Vigilance
The incident in Blakestown underscores the critical importance of media literacy and responsible online behavior. It highlights the need for individuals to be discerning consumers of information, verifying the accuracy of information before sharing it online. As the Garda emphasizes, misinformation can have far-reaching consequences, and responsible online behavior plays a vital role in maintaining public order and safety.
