Key facts
- Anti-immigrant protesters set fire to vehicles and buildings in Belfast after a knife attack.
- The suspect, a 30-year-old Sudanese man, was arrested and charged with attempted murder.
- Northern Ireland's First Minister and UK Prime Minister appealed for calm.
- The incident has been linked to broader anti-immigrant sentiment and online far-right activity.
- Gardaí are monitoring for potential spillover violence in the Republic of Ireland.
Hundreds of anti-immigrant protesters torched vehicles and buildings in Belfast following a knife attack that left a man in his 40s with serious injuries. The suspect, a 30-year-old Sudanese man who had been granted a five-year visa in September 2023, was arrested and charged with attempted murder.
Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O’Neill condemned the violence as "disgusting cowardice" and "racism, intimidation and violence," while Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson declared the unrest a "critical incident" and appealed for calm. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed calls for calm, describing the attack as "horrific" and "sickening."
The incident occurred amid heightened tensions in the UK related to immigration. Politicians, including DUP leader Gavin Robinson, called for curbs on "uncontrolled immigration." Far-right influencers have been active online, amplifying anti-migrant narratives and sharing misinformation about the attack, with some traveling to Belfast to protest.
Gardaí in the Republic of Ireland are reportedly "keeping a watching brief" for any related violence or far-right activity and are investigating the suspect's movements in Dublin. Online platforms are facing renewed scrutiny for their role in spreading violent content and misinformation.