VIDEO footage shared of an attack on a man in Belfast brought a wave of protests and trouble across Northern Ireland last night (Tuesday, June 9).
A Sudanese man was charged with attempted murder following the incident on Monday night.
There was a wave of revulsion across social media with politicians expressing their horror and calling for calm.
As Tuesday progressed social media was awash with calls to protest what was termed ‘uncontrolled immigration’.
Those calls solidified into a series of protests across Northern Ireland on Tuesday evening.
In Armagh city a number of people gathered close to the Courthouse in what one councillor described as a ‘respectful and dignified protest’.
The protest passed off without incident Cllr Scott Armstrong said on Tuesday, “A respectful and dignified took place in Armagh tonight.
“The purpose was not to cause trouble or inflame tensions following the horrific incident in North Belfast last night.
“The focus remained firmly on the victim and his family, keeping them in our thoughts and ensuring nothing detracted from what they are enduring.
“Those who attended were ordinary, hardworking people expressing their belief that immigration policy across the UK and the island of Ireland is not working and that meaningful change is needed.
“Credit to the PSNI officers on the ground who engaged professionally with protesters, facilitated the protest, and listened to people’s concerns.
“As Charlie Kirk said: ‘When people stop talking, violence starts’.
“We must continue to engage with one another, even when we disagree. Immigration challenges will not be solved by violence, disorder, or destroying our own communities.
“Peaceful dialogue and democratic action remain the best path forward.”
In Portadown the scenes were not so peaceful with a police vehicle set light and properties attacked.
Police in riot gear were out in force armed with baton round weapons.
Among properties targeted was the VIP Church Street Apartments.
The business posted on their social media, “Absolutely disgusted by the senseless violence in Portadown tonight! Two elderly guests were attacked in their accommodation by masked men for absolutely no reason! What is this town coming to?
“Who is going to take accountability for this?
“Destroying local businesses, why? What does that achieve?”
Arbour Housing at Carleton Street was also targeted with windows smashed and an Indian takeaway was also attacked.
The Chairman of TADA Rural Network, Geraldine Lawless said a member of their staff - out helping the community - had their car attacked.
She said, “As Chairperson of TADA Rural Support Network I am shocked at the appalling behaviour last night as one of our staff was out with a community group and on the way home her car was attacked.
“Her husband to ensure her safety drove her and he had their young child in the back.
“Trying to get home they were stopped several times finally as they were turning to go another way their car was attacked and left the poor child traumatised. Behaviour like this cannot be justified.”
Speaking to the Ulster Gazette on Wednesday morning she said, “They had their three year old son in the back seat. She had done what she had to do and she was coming home. And they were obviously turned various ways and couldn't get through.
“Her husband was trying to turn the car around. And then somebody came and kept punching the window. I thank God they’re safe, but it was just very disturbing for the wee boy in the back seat and for his parents.”
Sinn Féin MLA John O’Dowd strongly condemned what he described as ‘the despicable violence which occurred in several parts of Upper Bann over night’.
The Upper Bann MLA said: “The scenes we have witnessed are shameful and there is no place for it on our streets.
“The disgust and revulsion at the horrific attempted murder in Belfast is understandable.
“However, anti community elements who have complete disregard for their community throughout the year cannot claim to be defenders of the community when it suits their warped agenda!
“No one has the right to spread fear, terrorise innocent families, or bring lawless disorder onto our streets.
“We have seen attacks on family homes, businesses, transport infrastructure and the police.
“These actions which are intended to whip up fear, division and tension are completely unacceptable.”
Newry and Armagh DUP MLA Gareth Wilson has urged protestors to express their frustrations peacefully, in the aftermath of the attempted murder in North Belfast.
Mr Wilson commented: “The [alleged] attempted murder that sparked these events was a savage act of brutality that has no place in a civilised society.
“This event caused widespread alarm and frustration and raises genuine questions about immigration policy and community safety.
“Whilst there were many people across Northern Ireland who participated in peaceful protests, the outbreaks of violence that also occurred in the aftermath were disgraceful and morally wrong.
“They were completely counter-productive and have moved the focus away from the events in North Belfast and how we should respond.
“I will always be a voice for those with legitimate concerns about immigration, but we know from our past that violence is not the answer to any problem, and I would urge anyone involved in this behaviour to immediately desist.”
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