Politicians condemn attack on Belfast Islamic Centre while people prayed

Politicians have condemned an attack on the Islamic Centre in
Belfast
that was carried out while people were praying on Friday evening.
A local MLA said a device was thrown into the building during evening prayer, forcing it to be evacuated.
Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said he was 'deeply concerned by the shameful attack'.
'Hatred of this sort has no place in Northern Ireland. If anyone has any information about this, please contact the PSNI,' he said.
READ MORE
Police said they attended a security alert on University Road in south Belfast on Friday night.
A number of cordons were put in place and members of the public were asked to avoid the area.
A 34-year-old man was arrested and taken into police custody.
Alliance MLA for South Belfast Paula Bradshaw condemned the attack, which she said did 'not reflect the diversity of south Belfast in 2025'.
'This attack was again designed to cause fear among people inside the centre, who were at prayer at the time.
'Nevertheless, I am thankful for the intervention of a nearby passer-by and for the work of the police. Those were much more reflective of the true spirit of Belfast, where most people rejoice in diversity.
'I would like to express my solidarity with all those who were evacuated and my thanks to all those who worked to ensure their safety.'
Sinn Féin MLA Deirdre Hargey said 'no one should ever feel unsafe in their place of worship'.
'Acts like these, fuelled by hate, spread fear and division, and target people who have come to our communities to build a life and call this place home.
'It's vital that all political leaders speak out and stand united against this disgusting behaviour.'
Green Party councillor Aine Groogan condemned the attack as a 'cowardly and vicious act'.
'I am horrified to hear about the attack on the Islamic Centre during evening prayers,' she said.
'I want to pay tribute to the courageous passer-by who intervened and prevented what could have been a far more tragic outcome.
'It is terrifying to consider what might have happened and I sincerely hope that all those present are recovering from this traumatic ordeal.'
She added: 'This attack is yet another reminder of the very real danger faced by our Islamic community. The recent rise in racist hate and violence on our streets is a shameful stain on our society.
'We must all take responsibility for actively challenging racism, misinformation and bigotry wherever it appears before someone is seriously hurt.
'I urge those politicians who continue to hide behind the notion of so-called 'legitimate concerns' around migration to reflect on the consequences of their words.
'Such narratives are as disingenuous as they are dangerous. They help foster a culture in which hate can thrive. Frankly, they should know better.' - PA

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2 hours ago

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Man arrested after viable device thrown through window of Belfast Islamic Centre

A man has been arrested under the Terrorism Act after a viable device was thrown through the window of the Belfast Islamic Centre during a 'sinister' attack on Friday night. Police received a report at approximately 10.10pm that an object had been thrown through a window at the centre in the University Road area of the city while people were praying inside the building. The incident sparked a security alert and the building was evacuated. Officers attended and carried out a search of the building where a suspicious device was discovered. Ammunition Technical Officers attended and examined the object which was determined as viable and has since been removed for forensic examination. A 34-year-old man was arrested under the Terrorism Act at the scene and remains in police custody at this time. "It is important to stress that, while the suspect has been arrested under the Terrorism Act, the motive for the attack has not yet been established," Assistant Chief Constable Anthony McNally said in a statement. 'Detectives from Serious Crime Branch are currently working at pace and are exploring a number of potential motivating factors including the possibility that this is a hate crime. "At this time, no other persons are being sought in connection with the attack. I urge anyone who was in the area at the time or may have information to contact us on 101, quoting reference number 1808 20/06/25.' A report can be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via or you can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at Sinn Féin MLA Deirdre Hargey has condemned the attack. She said: "I unreservedly condemn this sinister attack, and I welcome that the suspect is now in custody, thanks to the vigilance of a member of the public. 'No one should ever feel unsafe in their place of worship, and my thoughts are with everyone affected. 'Acts like these, fuelled by hate, spread fear and division, and target people who have come to our communities to build a life and call this place home. 'It's vital that all political leaders speak out and stand united against this disgusting behaviour.' Green Party Councillor Áine Groogan also strongly condemned the attack describing it as a "cowardly and vicious act." 'I am horrified to hear about the attack on the Islamic Centre during evening prayers," she said. 'I want to pay tribute to the courageous passer-by who intervened and prevented what could have been a far more tragic outcome. It is terrifying to consider what might have happened, and I sincerely hope that all those present are recovering from this traumatic ordeal.' 'This attack is yet another reminder of the very real danger faced by our Islamic community. The recent rise in racist hate and violence on our streets is a shameful stain on our society. "We must all take responsibility for actively challenging racism, misinformation, and bigotry wherever it appears before someone is seriously hurt. 'I urge those politicians who continue to hide behind the notion of so-called 'legitimate concerns' around migration to reflect on the consequences of their words. Such narratives are as disingenuous as they are dangerous. They help foster a culture in which hate can thrive. Frankly, they should know better.'

Irish Times

7 hours ago

• Irish Times

Politicians condemn attack on Belfast Islamic Centre while people prayed

Politicians have condemned an attack on the Islamic Centre in Belfast that was carried out while people were praying on Friday evening. A local MLA said a device was thrown into the building during evening prayer, forcing it to be evacuated. Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said he was 'deeply concerned by the shameful attack'. 'Hatred of this sort has no place in Northern Ireland. If anyone has any information about this, please contact the PSNI,' he said. READ MORE Police said they attended a security alert on University Road in south Belfast on Friday night. A number of cordons were put in place and members of the public were asked to avoid the area. A 34-year-old man was arrested and taken into police custody. Alliance MLA for South Belfast Paula Bradshaw condemned the attack, which she said did 'not reflect the diversity of south Belfast in 2025'. 'This attack was again designed to cause fear among people inside the centre, who were at prayer at the time. 'Nevertheless, I am thankful for the intervention of a nearby passer-by and for the work of the police. Those were much more reflective of the true spirit of Belfast, where most people rejoice in diversity. 'I would like to express my solidarity with all those who were evacuated and my thanks to all those who worked to ensure their safety.' Sinn Féin MLA Deirdre Hargey said 'no one should ever feel unsafe in their place of worship'. 'Acts like these, fuelled by hate, spread fear and division, and target people who have come to our communities to build a life and call this place home. 'It's vital that all political leaders speak out and stand united against this disgusting behaviour.' Green Party councillor Aine Groogan condemned the attack as a 'cowardly and vicious act'. 'I am horrified to hear about the attack on the Islamic Centre during evening prayers,' she said. 'I want to pay tribute to the courageous passer-by who intervened and prevented what could have been a far more tragic outcome. 'It is terrifying to consider what might have happened and I sincerely hope that all those present are recovering from this traumatic ordeal.' She added: 'This attack is yet another reminder of the very real danger faced by our Islamic community. The recent rise in racist hate and violence on our streets is a shameful stain on our society. 'We must all take responsibility for actively challenging racism, misinformation and bigotry wherever it appears before someone is seriously hurt. 'I urge those politicians who continue to hide behind the notion of so-called 'legitimate concerns' around migration to reflect on the consequences of their words. 'Such narratives are as disingenuous as they are dangerous. They help foster a culture in which hate can thrive. Frankly, they should know better.' - PA

Irish Examiner

9 hours ago

• Irish Examiner

Politicians condemn attack on Belfast Islamic Centre while people prayed

An attack on the Islamic Centre in Belfast while people were praying on Friday has been condemned by politicians. A local MLA said a device was thrown inside the building during evening prayer and forced it to be evacuated. Police said they attended a security alert on University Road in south Belfast on Friday night. A number of cordons were put in place and members of the public were asked to avoid the area. A 34-year-old man was arrested and was taken into police custody. Alliance MLA for South Belfast Paula Bradshaw condemned the attack, which she said did 'not reflect the diversity of south Belfast in 2025'. 'This attack was again designed to cause fear among people inside the centre, who were at prayer at the time. 'Nevertheless, I am thankful for the intervention of a nearby passer-by and for the work of the police. Those were much more reflective of the true spirit of Belfast, where most people rejoice in diversity. 'I would like to express my solidarity with all those who were evacuated and my thanks to all those who worked to ensure their safety.' Sinn Féin MLA Deirdre Hargey said 'no-one should ever feel unsafe in their place of worship'. 'Acts like these, fuelled by hate, spread fear and division, and target people who have come to our communities to build a life and call this place home. 'It's vital that all political leaders speak out and stand united against this disgusting behaviour.' Green Party Councillor Aine Groogan condemned the attack as a 'cowardly and vicious act'. 'I am horrified to hear about the attack on the Islamic Centre during evening prayers,' she said. 'I want to pay tribute to the courageous passer-by who intervened and prevented what could have been a far more tragic outcome. 'It is terrifying to consider what might have happened and I sincerely hope that all those present are recovering from this traumatic ordeal.' She added: 'This attack is yet another reminder of the very real danger faced by our Islamic community. The recent rise in racist hate and violence on our streets is a shameful stain on our society. 'We must all take responsibility for actively challenging racism, misinformation and bigotry wherever it appears before someone is seriously hurt. 'I urge those politicians who continue to hide behind the notion of so-called 'legitimate concerns' around migration to reflect on the consequences of their words. 'Such narratives are as disingenuous as they are dangerous. They help foster a culture in which hate can thrive. Frankly, they should know better.'