Masked rioters torched vehicles and burned families out of their homes in Belfast on Tuesday night, sparking a critical incident response from police. The violence erupted following a knife attack in north Belfast that left a man with serious head and neck injuries.
A 30-year-old Sudanese national has been charged with attempted murder and possession of a blade. Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill condemned the attacks as "disgusting cowardice," while Justice Minister Naomi Long warned against bad faith actors manipulating public fear.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the initial assault as "sickening." Tech billionaire Elon Musk amplified calls for loud protests regarding the state of the United Kingdom, responding to anti-immigrant activist Tommy Robinson.
Social Democratic and Labour Party leader Claire Hanna labeled the unrest a "race-based pogrom." Police deployed armored vehicles as hundreds of protesters attacked officers and set fire to buildings across east Belfast.