UPDATE: A shocking attack on the Alliance Party headquarters in Newtownabbey has been condemned as “sinister” by party leader Naomi Long. The incident, which involved graffiti sprayed on the building’s external window and door shutters, occurred earlier this week and is now classified as a sectarian hate crime by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).
The attack was reported on June 5, 2025, at the party’s office located on Farmley Road in Glengormley. Authorities suspect the act may have taken place days earlier. Chief Superintendent Stephen Murray confirmed that a proactive criminal investigation has been initiated. “We are committed to ensuring that our elected representatives and their staff can perform their duties free from harassment and intimidation,” he stated.
In response to the attack, Long emphasized that such “reckless acts of intimidation” will not deter the Alliance Party from its mission to serve the people of Northern Ireland. “Those responsible for this attack were deliberately trying to incite fear,” she said. “But we will remind them that these reckless acts will never deter Alliance.”
Long highlighted the growing trend of violent incidents against politicians, linking it to harmful rhetoric circulating in both the legislative chamber and on social media platforms. “These abhorrent acts are a direct consequence of the toxic environment being fostered,” she noted.
The PSNI has appealed to the public for assistance in their investigation. Anyone with information, or who may possess relevant CCTV or dashcam footage, is urged to contact them at 101, referencing report number 453 05/06/25.
Long concluded by thanking the police for their swift response and thorough investigation, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts to reduce the hostile atmosphere surrounding public life in Northern Ireland.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by politicians and public figures in maintaining safety and stability in the region. As the investigation unfolds, many are left to wonder what further actions will be taken to address the rising tide of intimidation.
