URGENT UPDATE: An attack on the Alliance Party headquarters in Newtownabbey has been condemned as “sinister” by party leader Naomi Long. The incident, which involved graffiti being sprayed on the external shutters and a fence of the Farmley Road building, is now being treated as a sectarian hate crime by PSNI authorities.
This alarming event was reported earlier today, June 5, 2025, and police believe the vandalism may have occurred in the days leading up to the report. Chief Superintendent Stephen Murray stated, “We have launched a proactive criminal investigation,” emphasizing the commitment of the Police Service of Northern Ireland to protect elected officials and their staff from harassment and intimidation.
In a powerful response, Long, who also serves as Northern Ireland’s justice minister, declared that “reckless acts of intimidation will never deter Alliance from working to deliver for the people of Northern Ireland.” She condemned the perpetrators, stating they aimed to incite fear and disrupt the political process.
Long’s remarks reflect a growing concern over the safety of politicians in Northern Ireland. “The abhorrent incidents we’ve seen in recent months directed at politicians and political parties have been utterly unacceptable,” she said, linking them to the “harmful rhetoric” prevalent in political discourse and social media.
The PSNI is currently appealing to the public for assistance in their investigation. They are requesting anyone with information or potential CCTV, dashcam, or video footage of the area to contact them at 101, quoting reference number 453 05/06/25.
Long praised the police for their swift response, highlighting the importance of community cooperation in addressing such incidents. She called for all public figures to contribute to reducing the “toxic rhetoric” that has escalated tensions, stating, “It has a real-life impact and isn’t conducive to stability or people’s safety.”
As this situation develops, the Alliance Party and law enforcement remain focused on ensuring that democracy and safety prevail in Northern Ireland. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by public officials in an increasingly polarized environment.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as it unfolds.
