RismadarVoice Reporters, June 11, 2026
Tech billionaire, Elon Musk has come under heavy criticism after being accused of stoking tensions linked to anti-immigrant riots in Belfast, Northern Ireland, following a second night of violent unrest that saw masked individuals set homes and vehicles on fire.
The violence, which erupted after a stabbing incident that was widely circulated on social media, has been condemned by political leaders as “racist thuggery,” with authorities warning against attempts to exploit the situation for political purposes.
According to the United Kingdom government, the unrest was triggered by public outrage over the stabbing of resident Stephen Ogilvie, who sustained severe injuries, including the loss of an eye. A Sudanese man, Hadi Alodid, has been arrested and charged with attempted murder, though he has not entered a plea.
While Ogilvie’s family has appealed for calm and urged against politicising the incident, the situation escalated after graphic footage of the attack spread online, fuelling anger and misinformation.
Amid the unrest, Elon Musk drew widespread backlash after posting and resharing content on his social media platform X that critics say inflamed tensions and amplified anti-immigration narratives.
In one post, Musk wrote: “Murderous migrants beheading innocent people in their home town is what’s making people angry, not ‘social media’,” a statement that triggered strong reactions from political leaders and civil society groups.
He also reposted content targeting UK political figures and shared material linking the alleged attacker to broader anti-immigration sentiments, further intensifying the controversy.
British officials and political leaders condemned both the violence on the streets and online commentary they believe contributed to escalating tensions.
Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn described the riots as “racist thuggery,” warning that such violence had no place in society and urging restraint.
Labour Party Chair Anna Turley also criticised Musk’s involvement, stating that attempts by influential figures to “exploit a situation like this to drive political agendas” were deeply harmful.
Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill similarly condemned what she described as external actors “sitting comfortably” while “orchestrating hate and tension” online.
The Prime Minister Keir Starmer did not mention Musk directly but criticised those “encouraging violence online or elsewhere” and warned against efforts to “stir up division on our streets.”
Police in Northern Ireland said the motive behind the stabbing is still under investigation and confirmed that the case is not being treated as terrorism. The suspect remains in custody awaiting further court proceedings.
Information gathered has it that the unrest has left several neighbourhoods in the area damaged, with burnt-out vehicles and displaced residents reported in parts of Belfast following consecutive nights of violence.
However, Authorities continue to urge calm as investigations proceed into both the stabbing incident and the subsequent riots.
