Bishop Alan McGuckian condemns anti-migrant riots in Belfast, urging calm, dialogue, and rejection of racism after violence erupts.
Newsroom (12/06/2026 Gaudium Press ) Bishop Alan McGuckian of Down and Connor has issued a strong condemnation of rioters who targeted migrants following a second night of violent unrest across Belfast and other parts of Northern Ireland. His intervention comes amid growing concern over escalating tensions sparked by a high-profile criminal case involving a refugee.
“Shame on all those who have sought to mobilize, agitate, weaponize and politicize the fear and concerns of others over the last few days,” Bishop McGuckian said in a statement issued June 11. He emphasized that society must take collective responsibility to reduce tensions rather than inflame them, warning against the dangers of racism and division.
The bishop, who also chairs the Council for Migrants, Refugees and Justice and Peace of the Irish bishops’ conference, stressed that “all of us have a responsibility to de-escalate societal tension rather than stoke the flames of racism.”
Violence Triggered by Knife Attack
The unrest followed an attack on June 9, when Hadi Alodid, a 30-year-old Sudanese refugee, was arrested and charged with attempted murder after allegedly attacking Stephen Ogilvie with a kitchen knife. Ogilvie remains in a stable condition in an induced coma, according to his family.
The incident triggered outrage in parts of the community, quickly spilling into violent street protests. Cars were set ablaze across Belfast, and groups of masked individuals reportedly chanted anti-immigrant slogans such as “foreigners out” while targeting homes belonging to migrant families.
Witness accounts indicate that many victims were attacked based on their perceived ethnic background, with individuals singled out for having the same skin color as the accused attacker.
Political Leaders and Victim’s Family Reject Violence
Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill strongly criticized the rioters, stating there was “no excuse and no justification” for the attacks. She described the scenes as “disgusting cowardice,” particularly condemning the targeting of families’ homes.
The family of Stephen Ogilvie also issued a statement distancing themselves from the violence carried out in response to the attack. Expressing their disgust at the unrest, they appealed for calm and emphasized that violence does not reflect their values.
“We want to make it absolutely clear that to do this in response is not supported by our family, and peaceful protest is only ever the way forward,” they said.
They also highlighted the vital contributions of migrant communities, noting their importance to sectors such as healthcare and hospitality. “We depend on them to make our country work,” the statement read.
The family further urged that the attack on their loved one not be used to deepen divisions. “Do not do this in the name of our loved one as we do not share the same values.”
Church Calls for Dialogue Over Division
Bishop McGuckian expressed solidarity with Ogilvie’s family and praised their call for calm. He also pointed to the broader social consequences of the unrest, particularly the fear now experienced by many migrant families.
He acknowledged that communities may have legitimate concerns about safety and accountability but stressed that violence cannot solve these issues. “Violence will have to give way to dialogue and engagement,” he said.
Highlighting Northern Ireland’s history, the bishop warned against a العودة to conflict. “As a society, we in Northern Ireland have journeyed too far on the road to reconciliation and paid too high a price in a legacy of suffering to risk retreating into conflict and racial oppression,” he wrote.
Irish Bishops Warn Against Racism
The unrest was a central topic discussed during the Irish bishops’ annual summer general assembly held June 10 at St. Patrick’s College in Maynooth. In a collective statement, the bishops expressed concern at the attacks on migrant homes and businesses, describing them as deeply troubling.
They underscored the importance of upholding human dignity and rejecting divisive rhetoric. “The true measure of a just society is one which effectively welcomes newcomers, combats racism and rejects divisive political rhetoric,” the statement said.
The bishops also called for broader support for law enforcement and community leaders in maintaining peace over the coming months.
Ongoing Unrest and Police Response
While the second night of riots was reported to be less intense, tensions remained high. Police deployed water cannons and armored vehicles to disperse crowds, as rioters threw bricks, Molotov cocktails, and fireworks.
The clashes resulted in injuries to 12 police officers, and 16 individuals were arrested on June 10.
Despite the reduced intensity, authorities remain on alert amid fears of further unrest, while civic and religious leaders continue to urge restraint and dialogue to prevent deeper divisions in Northern Irish society.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from OSV News
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