The Burke family made headlines in Washington, D.C., after being forcibly removed from the Ireland Funds National Gala for disrupting the event. The protest, which centered on the ongoing imprisonment of Enoch Burke, occurred during a speech by Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn, drawing attention and intervention from security personnel.
The incident unfolded when members of the Burke family began shouting criticisms directed at Taoiseach Micheál Martin, accusing him of misleading Americans about human rights issues in Ireland. Their interruption quickly escalated, leading to their removal by event security and police officers.
NEW: Members of the Burke family have been forcibly removed from a Washington event at which Micheal Martin was a guest of honour. Martina, Isaac and Ammi Burke interrupted another honouree’s speech to complain about Enoch Burke’s imprisonment. @VirginMediaNews pic.twitter.com/HorUvDy8je
Prior to the disruption, the Burkes had staged a protest outside the venue, holding signs condemning the Irish government’s policies, particularly in relation to LGBTQ+ education and free speech. After being removed from the event, the family continued their demonstration outside, further voicing their grievances.
The Enoch Burke Controversy
Enoch Burke, a former teacher, gained international attention after refusing to address a student by a gender-neutral pronoun, citing his Christian beliefs. His defiance led to a suspension, followed by his imprisonment for contempt of court after refusing to comply with a school’s orders to stay away from campus.
BREAKING: BURKE FAMILY ATTEND IRELAND FUNDS GALA DINNER IN WASHINGTON DC
We attended the Gala Dinner to bring the truth to the American people about Micheál Martin and his Government, who have presided over the imprisonment of Enoch Burke for over 500 days for refusing to affirm… pic.twitter.com/fnjEort6Wg
The case has sparked intense debate on religious freedom, LGBTQ+ rights, and judicial authority in Ireland, with the Burke family remaining vocal in their protests.
The Taoiseach’s office has yet to issue an official response to the Washington incident, but political analysts note that the disruption underscores the ongoing divisions over freedom of expression and inclusion policies in Ireland.