Protesters torch cars, buildings in Belfast after knife attack | News
Protests Erupt in Belfast Following Knife Attack; Authorities Urge Calm
Belfast, Northern Ireland — Anti-immigrant protests erupted in Belfast on Tuesday after a Sudanese man was arrested in connection with a knife attack that left one person seriously injured. Demonstrators set fire to vehicles and buildings, leading to unrest across the city.
Hundreds of protesters, many wearing masks, gathered at multiple locations, igniting a bus and several cars. A building near the city center was also set ablaze, with witnesses reporting that protestors initiated a fire in garbage bins before throwing petrol bombs.
Additional crowds gathered in Antrim, approximately 25 kilometers west of Belfast. Following the violence, Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill condemned the actions of the protesters, describing the events as “disgusting cowardice.” She emphasized that “racism, intimidation and violence are wrong wherever they occur,” calling for calm in response to the unrest.
The man arrested in the knife attack, which occurred late Monday in north Belfast, faces charges of attempted murder, possession of a bladed weapon in public, and making threats to kill. The 30-year-old suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday.
The victim, a man in his 40s, sustained severe injuries, including significant wounds to his eyes and slashing injuries to his face and back, allegedly inflicted with a kitchen knife found at the scene.
Northern Ireland’s Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson characterized the unrest as a “critical incident” and acknowledged that the attack has left many community members feeling fearful and angry. “I appeal for calm and the safety of all our communities,” he stated during a press conference.
Video footage from the incident showed bystanders attempting to subdue the attacker before law enforcement arrived, with police crediting their intervention with saving the victim’s life.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the incident “horrific” and “sickening,” voicing zero tolerance for violence. His office urged for calm, highlighting the importance of allowing police the necessary space to conduct an investigation.
The attack, which is not being treated as terrorism, occurs amidst heightened tensions in the UK following the homicide of a student in Southampton, which sparked critique over police actions during the incident. Protesters in Southampton have held demonstrations against accommodating asylum seekers at local hotels, further inflating anti-immigrant sentiment.
In Belfast, the suspect’s immigration status has come under scrutiny. Gavin Robinson, leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, called for measures to address “uncontrolled immigration.” Prominent figures among anti-immigration factions have demanded clarity on the attacker’s details.
Northern Ireland’s Chief Constable Jon Boutcher shared that the suspect had resided in the UK on a five-year visa granted in September 2023. He reportedly traveled from Sudan to Paris and Dublin prior to seeking asylum in Belfast. Boutcher noted that the suspect was not listed on any national security databases and had no prior record with the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
In a unified response, Northern Ireland’s main political party leaders denounced the knife attack, labeling it “horrific.” They reiterated calls for calm, emphasizing that disturbances would only harm their communities.
