Key facts
- A 30-year-old Sudanese man has been charged with attempted murder following a stabbing in Belfast.
- The stabbing triggered anti-immigrant protests and violence across Northern Ireland.
- Masked individuals set fire to homes, vehicles, and a bus.
- Firefighters rescued several people from burning residences.
- Northern Ireland's First Minister and Deputy First Minister condemned the violence.
- The victim of the stabbing suffered serious injuries.
A 30-year-old man from Sudan is due in court in Belfast on an attempted murder charge following a stabbing that triggered anti-immigrant violence in several parts of Northern Ireland. The attack, which occurred on Tuesday night, left the victim seriously injured and led to masked individuals setting fire to homes, vehicles, and a bus. Firefighters rescued several people from burning residences.
Politicians from across Northern Ireland's power-sharing government condemned the violence. First Minister Michelle O’Neill described the acts as "thuggery" and "disgusting cowardice," while Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly stated that targeting innocent individuals based on frustration over the attacker's actions is "utterly wrong."
The stabbing, captured in graphic video footage that circulated widely on social media, was exploited by anti-immigration activists. The victim, a man in his 40s, sustained severe injuries to his eyes, face, and back. Police stated there is no information to suggest the attack is terrorism-related and they are not seeking other suspects.
Despite calls for calm, street violence erupted, with far-right activists including Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson, reportedly encouraging protests online. Northern Ireland Justice Minister Naomi Long criticized "bad faith actors" for "weaponizing" local fears and engaging in racism by driving people from their homes based on their skin color.
The report also referenced a separate incident in Southampton, England, where a university student's fatal stabbing in December was similarly used by activists and U.S. Vice President JD Vance to blame immigration. In that case, the perpetrator was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison, but the incident also led to a violent protest.