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 their court appearance.
Violence Erupts
Police deployed water cannons as officers were pelted 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."
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 for throwing at police. Rioters also attempted to set fire to a derelict property near a petrol station in Newtownabbey, throwing petrol bombs at police lines.
Previous Incident
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 reaction to the incident saw mobs set homes, a bus, and cars on fire in Belfast on Tuesday, with people targeted based on their race.
