Victim in Critical Condition After Belfast Stabbing
The victim of a horrific knife attack in Belfast has lost his left eye and remains in a coma, fighting for his life. Stephen Ogilvie, 44, who suffered from schizophrenia and was disabled, was assaulted on Monday in what authorities described as an attempted beheading. The attack was captured on video and widely shared online.
Ogilvie sustained severe knife wounds to his face, neck, and back. He is currently in critical condition at a hospital, with family members by his bedside, according to reports from The Telegraph.
Suspect Charged with Attempted Murder
Police arrested 30-year-old Hadi Alodid, a Sudanese national who claimed asylum in the United Kingdom in February 2023. Due to a legal loophole, he was granted permission to live and work in the UK the following September. Alodid is accused of attempted murder, possession of a knife, and threatening to kill a National Health Service radiographer earlier that day.
In court on Wednesday, a judge denied bail, citing that the risks were too great and unmanageable, including the risk of reoffending, harming the public, fleeing, and causing public disorder, as reported by the BBC.
Violent Riots Erupt in Aftermath
The stabbing triggered violent reactions from some residents, with masked rioters targeting immigrants in a neighborhood. Multiple families were forced to flee after fires were deliberately set at homes, a Middle Eastern supermarket, and vehicles.
Baroness Ruth Anderson, a member of the House of Lords, condemned the violence, stating that 27 people were made homeless. Among the victims was a two-month-old baby who had to be moved from her home. Anderson described the terror faced by families, including a nine-year-old child rescued from violent, racist thugs.
Bystanders Heroically Intervene
The attack was halted by two bystanders who got out of a vehicle and intervened. Maitiu Mag Tighearnan, also known as Matt McKiernan, used a hurling stick to strike the attacker. His friend Andre, trained in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, attempted to subdue the assailant with an ankle hold.
McKiernan recounted the incident to The Daily Mail, describing how he smashed the attacker over the head with the hurling stick three times. The attacker stumbled back and dropped the knife, which was kicked away by another bystander. Police arrived shortly after and took control.
Community Rallies in Support
An online fundraiser was created to honor McKiernan for his bravery. Organizer Niall Donnan set up the GoFundMe page to allow the community to show support. As of Wednesday afternoon, the fundraiser had collected over £25,200 (approximately C$47,000) from more than 2,500 donations.
Donnan updated that McKiernan was shocked by the amount raised and plans to donate some of the money to the victim and his friend who also intervened. Donnan expressed gratitude for the community's support, highlighting the beauty of strangers coming together to support one another.
