Two people have been charged following a second night of disorder in Northern Ireland after the Belfast knife attack. Twelve police officers were injured and 16 arrests were made during Wednesday evening's unrest.
Charges Filed
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed that a 24-year-old woman has been charged with disorderly behaviour and possession of an article with intent to cause damage. Additionally, a 28-year-old man has been charged with failing to remove a disguise when requested, obstructing police, and resisting police. Both individuals are scheduled to appear at Lisburn Magistrates' Court on Thursday.
In Northern Ireland, authorities do not release the names of accused persons before they appear in court.
Violence Erupts
Police deployed water cannons as officers were targeted with bricks and petrol bombs by balaclava-clad rioters in County Antrim. PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson stated that the justice system "stands ready to give long sentences to those bringing disorder to our streets."
Earlier, Hadi Alodid, 30, appeared in court on Wednesday charged with attempted murder in connection with Monday's knife attack, in which Stephen Ogilvie lost an eye. The attack sparked mob violence, with homes, a bus, and cars set on fire in Belfast on Tuesday, targeting individuals based on their race.
Further Unrest
On Wednesday evening, a Department for Infrastructure vehicle was set ablaze as rioters confronted police near the Sandyknowes roundabout in Newtownabbey, northwest of Belfast. Footage showed dozens of men dressed in black and wearing face coverings gathering on Antrim Road, tearing bricks from properties and smashing paving stones with sledgehammers to create projectiles to hurl at police. Rioters also attempted to set fire to a derelict property near a petrol station, throwing petrol bombs at police lines.
Threats to Healthcare Workers
Mr. Henderson condemned the intimidation of healthcare workers in Belfast during the riots. He said: "I want to turn next to the disgraceful threats and intimidation directed to our nurses, doctors, carers and healthcare staff, men and women who work every day to save lives and care for our sick relatives. They are the backbone of our public service. They are caring for our families, our friends and our loved ones. We are here to support them in the same way they support us. Tonight, we will be increasing our patrols of key areas. I have been talking to colleagues within health trusts and others to hear their concerns about their staff welfare."
Police Response
The senior officer said police will be "back on the ground" in the city with "bolstered" numbers on Thursday evening. He told reporters that officers from Great Britain have been drafted in to help prevent further disorder.
