34-Year-Old Arrested After Device Attack on Belfast Islamic Centre During Evening Prayer

A 34-year-old man was arrested in Belfast after throwing a viable device into the Islamic Centre during evening prayers, forcing evacuation but causing no injuries. Police are investigating the incident as a potential hate crime or terror offense, though the motive remains unclear. The attack was widely condemned by political leaders, including Justice Minister Naomi Long, Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw, Sinn Féin MLA Deirdre Hargey, and Green Party Councillor Áine Groogan, who described it as abhorrent, cowardly, and an act designed to spread fear and division. A passer-by's intervention helped prevent a more tragic outcome. Officials emphasized that such hatred has no place in Northern Ireland and called for unity against these acts. The incident has heightened concerns about community safety and the strain on policing resources in Northern Ireland.