The family of the victim in the Belfast knife attack have urged calm after riots broke out across the city.
Stephen Ogilvie is in hospital after losing his left eye in the attack. Video of the incident was widely shared on social media late Monday evening and throughout Tuesday.
Hadi Alodid, a 30-year-old Sudanese man, appeared in Belfast Magistrates Court on Wednesday. He is charged with attempting to murder Ogilvie, threatening to kill an NHS radiographer on the same day, and possessing a knife.
On Tuesday night, crowds including masked men burned vehicles and houses and blocked roads in and around Belfast. This happened hours after Elon Musk, Tommy Robinson, and other agitators encouraged people to take to the streets.
“We are completely devastated by the horrific attack on our loved one,” Ogilvie’s family said in a statement shared by Phillip Brett, the Democratic Unionist MLA for Belfast North. “This has been a massive shock to our whole family. Right now, our only priority is being at his bedside and helping him recover.”
They added that unrest and division were “not welcome” as a response to the attack. “We are aware of the tensions and talk of protests following this incident. We want to make it absolutely clear that overnight unrest is not welcome, and peaceful protest is the only way forward,” they said.
“We have many migrants who make a deeply valuable contribution to our country, including in our healthcare system and hospitality sector. We depend on them to make our country work. We do not want this terrible tragedy to be used to divide people or fuel hostility.”
It emerged on Tuesday that Alodid was given five years’ leave to remain in the UK after entering from Ireland. He was remanded in custody for four weeks after the brief hearing on Wednesday.
Judge Steven Keown refused Alodid bail, and the case was adjourned until 8 July. At the end of the hearing, Keown said he wanted to “note that our thoughts are with the victim and his family at this time, and also the emergency services and the members of the public who went to the victim’s aid.” He added that they should be “commended for that.”
In an unusual intervention, the judge condemned the disorder that had taken place across Belfast after the attack. He said “the fact those emergency services are under attack” was unacceptable and warned that perpetrators would be dealt with seriously.
Directly referencing communications circulating on Wednesday that encouraged protesters to continue gathering and to wear masks and dark clothing, he said those taking part in the violence “can also expect to go to prison.” He added, “And that message will be sent out loud and clear.”
Ogilvie’s family said: “We want to say a profound thank you to the local people who bravely stepped in during the attack. Your quick actions absolutely saved his life, and we will never forget what you did for him in that moment. We also want to thank the emergency services and the doctors and nurses looking after him.”
They asked for space from the media and the public and urged anyone with information about the attack to contact the police.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs based on the statement from the family of the Belfast attack victim
Basic Questions
Q What is the main thing the family of the Belfast attack victim is asking people to do
A They are asking people not to use their familys tragedy to stir up violence or hatred
Q Why did the family make this request
A They want to prevent further violence and division in the community and they want their loved ones death to be remembered with dignity not used as an excuse for revenge
Q Is the family supporting any political or paramilitary groups with this statement
A No The family is specifically asking people not to use the attack to support any group or cause that promotes violence
Deeper Contextual Questions
Q What kind of violence are they worried about
A They are likely worried about retaliation attacks street clashes or hate crimes between different communities in Belfast which can happen after a highprofile tragedy
Q Does this mean the family doesnt want justice for the attack
A No They want justice through the proper legal channels not through street violence or vigilante actions
Q Why do families sometimes make these public pleas
A Often families make these pleas to reclaim the narrative around their loved ones death They want the focus to be on the person who died not on political or sectarian agendas
Practical Common Misunderstandings
Q If I see people online using this tragedy to call for violence what should I do
A You should report the comments to the social media platform and if its a direct threat to the police Do not share or amplify the violent posts
Q How can I show respect for the familys wishes
A You can show respect by sharing peaceful messages of condolence supporting community unity and calling out anyone who tries to use the tragedy to justify attacks or hatred
Q Does the familys request mean the attack shouldnt be discussed at all
