Family Calls for Calm Following Belfast Knife Attack
The family of Stephen Ogilvie, the victim of a knife attack in Belfast, have appealed for peace amid widespread unrest across the city. Ogilvie remains hospitalized after losing his left eye in the assault, which was captured on video and widely circulated on social media late Monday evening and throughout Tuesday.
Hadi Alodid, a 30-year-old Sudanese national, appeared at Belfast magistrates court on Wednesday. He faces charges of attempted murder of Stephen Ogilvie, threatening to kill an NHS radiographer on the same day, and possession of a knife.
Following the attack, violent scenes unfolded across Belfast on Tuesday night, with crowds including masked individuals setting fire to vehicles and homes, and blocking roads in various parts of the city. These disturbances occurred hours after public figures such as Elon Musk and Tommy Robinson encouraged people to take to the streets.
Family Statement Condemns Violence and Highlights Migrants' Contributions
In a statement released through Phillip Brett, the Democratic Unionist MLA for Belfast North, Ogilvie’s family expressed their devastation and shock over the attack.
"We are completely devastated by the horrific attack on our loved one,"
"This has been a massive shock to our whole family, and right now our only priority is being at his bedside and helping him recover."
The family emphasized that unrest and division are not acceptable responses to the incident.
"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,"
"We have many migrants who make a deeply valuable contribution to our country, including in our healthcare system and hospitality sector, and 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."
Legal Proceedings and Judge's Remarks
It was revealed on Tuesday that Alodid had been granted five years’ leave to remain in the UK after entering from Ireland. During the brief hearing on Wednesday, he was remanded in custody for four weeks.
Judge Steven Keown denied bail and adjourned the case until 8 July.
At the conclusion of the hearing, Judge Keown expressed sympathy for the victim and his family, as well as appreciation for the emergency services and members of the public who assisted during the attack.
"I want 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,"
"They should be commended for that."
In an uncommon judicial intervention addressing the disorder in Belfast following the attack, the judge condemned the assaults on emergency services personnel and warned that those responsible would face serious consequences.
Referring directly to communications circulating on Wednesday that encouraged protesters to continue gathering while wearing masks and dark clothing, he stated that participants in the violence could expect imprisonment.
"And that message will be sent out loud and clear."
Family Thanks Community and Emergency Responders
Ogilvie’s family expressed profound gratitude to local residents who intervened during the attack, crediting their swift actions with saving his life.
"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."
The family requested privacy from the media and public, urging anyone with information about the attack to contact the police.
