‘We Depend On Them’ — Belfast Victim’s Family Issues Pro-Migrant Statement After Near Beheading

Belfast stabbing victim Stephen Ogilvy’s family issued a pro-migrant statement after his near beheading by an alleged Sudanese migrant.

Ogilvy’s family called for calm and unity in a statement released through MP Phillip Brett, while also asserting that immigrants play an important role in British society, according to multiple reports. (RELATED: REPORT: Sudanese Man Arrested After Barbaric Street Beheading Attempt Rocks Belfast)

The family expressed gratitude to the members of the public who rushed to help their relative following the attack, saying, “Your quick actions absolutely saved his life, and we will never forget what you did for him in that moment.”

REPORT: Sudanese Man Arrested After Barbaric Street Beheading Attempt Rocks Belfast: ‘He’s trying to cut his head off.’ https://t.co/wn7Ny1fFNZ

— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) June 9, 2026

They also urged those angered by the incident not to respond with violence, emphasizing that peaceful demonstrations are the appropriate response.

“We want to make it absolutely clear that overnight unrest is not welcome, and peaceful protest is the only way forward,” the statement said in part.

The family further warned against using the tragedy to sow division. They defended migrants in their statement.

“We have many migrants who make a deeply valuable contribution to our country, including in our healthcare system and hospitality sector and we depend on them to make our country work. We do not want this terrible tragedy to be used to divide people or fuel hostility.”

The suspect, identified in a Belfast court on Wednesday as Hadi Alodid, is accused of traveling from Sudan to Paris, and eventually Dublin, before arriving in Belfast by bus in February 2023, El Pais reported. He had been granted a five-year temporary asylum visa by the British Home Office, according to the outlet.

During the hearing, a judge ordered Alodid to remain in custody until his next scheduled court appearance on July 8, according to El Pais. The victim is employed as a radiology technician with the National Health Service.

INGERSOLL: Here It Comes, As Predicted: The wrath of otherwise peaceful men https://t.co/daZPnQx6Qg

— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) June 10, 2026

The attack was followed by unrest that has reportedly resulted in injuries to five people, including three civilians and two police officers.

Speaking at a press conference, Police Service of Northern Ireland Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said around 100 individuals are currently being investigated in connection with the riots, according to the outlet. (RELATED: INGERSOLL: Here It Comes, As Predicted)

Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill strongly condemned the violence on X.

“Groups of masked men burning families out of their homes is nothing less than disgusting cowardice,” she wrote. “This has nothing to do with community. This is outright thuggery.”

Earlier that day, O’Neill stood alongside Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and Chief Constable Boutcher at Stormont Palace, the home of Northern Ireland’s Assembly, where they appealed for calm amid the ongoing tensions.

Police “ruling out terrorist motivation” in the beheading attempt, despite having no info “regarding a motive” pic.twitter.com/gXocNJHvBZ

— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) June 9, 2026

The leaders urged residents not to be influenced by outside agitators online. Boutcher warned against “people who know nothing about Northern Ireland, and who use social media and its toxic nature to incite people to do things they don’t want to do.” (RELATED: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer Appears More Concerned By Musk Tweets Than Nowak Murder)

While acknowledging public concerns surrounding immigration, Boutcher stressed that such issues should be addressed through democratic processes rather than violence, saying, “Any concerns regarding immigration must be discussed through political channels.”