After a knife attack in Belfast on June 10, 2026, that left 44-year-old Stephen Ogilvie in a coma and missing an eye, violent unrest erupted across the city. Homes, vehicles, and a bus were set on fire, and families were forced to flee. The attack was carried out by a 30-year-old Sudanese man who has been charged with attempted murder. Despite the crime, the backlash extended beyond the individual, with racial violence reported in Belfast and Glasgow, where people were attacked due to their skin color.

Elon Musk drew sharp condemnation after he urged followers on X to protest 'REPEATEDLY and LOUDLY,' sharing a post by far-right activist Tommy Robinson that listed protest locations. UK Labour Party chair Anna Turley called the move 'appalling,' and Prime Minister Keir Starmer accused Musk of trying to 'whip up division.' Religious and political leaders warned against exploiting the tragedy for political gain.

The victim’s family issued a powerful statement, thanking bystanders who intervened to save Ogilvie’s life and condemning the subsequent riots. They emphasized that peaceful protest is the only acceptable response and highlighted the essential contributions of migrants in healthcare, hospitality, and other sectors. Their plea aimed to prevent the tragedy from being used to fuel xenophobia or social division.