After racist graffiti targeted a home, West Belfast residents are protesting to show solidarity and condemn hate.
People in Beechmount strongly condemned the attack, demanding an immediate end to such actions. Gerry Carroll, a People Before Profit MLA, criticized the incident, asserting that racism has no place in West Belfast and migrants should feel welcome.
Carroll further condemned the racist attack, emphasizing that it contradicts the community’s values. He attributed housing issues to landlords, not migrants, and questioned recent changes in housing policy.
A rally, organized by the Beechmount Residents Collective to protest racism and demonstrate community support, took place at 7 PM on February 5th. A spokesperson expressed anger at the racist attack and addressed the spread of gossip without facts.
The Collective aims to confront and eliminate all forms of racism, having engaged with the affected resident, while acknowledging the fear experienced by other families. They will offer assistance to anyone with factual information.
Emphasizing that this attack does not represent the community, the group vowed not to disregard this serious issue and appealed to community groups for support. Sinn Féin councillor Ciaran Beattie echoed this sentiment.
Beattie stated that this incident is not reflective of Beechmount and described the attack as “absolutely disgraceful.” He offered community support to the homeowner and contacted the council for paint removal.
Beattie urged those responsible to be brought to justice and encouraged anyone with information to come forward. Police Inspector Jackson reported that the damage occurred between February 2nd and 3rd and is being investigated as a hate crime.
Police urge anyone with details to contact them, referencing case number 216 of 03/02/25. They stated intimidation should not be tolerated and everyone has the right to feel safe in their home. West Belfast residents have united in condemning the attack.
