Ballymena Riots: 32 Officers Injured in Violence After Alleged Attempted Rape
Above: A vehicle burns as PSNI riot squad officers battled protesters throwing projectiles on June 10, 2025 in Ballymena, Northern Ireland. Image copyright: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images via Getty Images
The Spin
Left narrative
The riots in Ballymena are a shameful display of far-right racism exploiting an alleged assault to stir hatred. Violence against women is a grave issue, but turning tragedy into a platform for xenophobia helps no one. This violent mob cares not about protecting women but attacking migrants, and is using this tragedy as a scapegoat for unrest.
Right narrative
The unrest reflects deep-rooted frustration within a community pushed to the brink. Locals are rightfully angry: allegations of a horrific crime involving migrants is the latest flashpoint in a town already strained by unchecked immigration and a lack of government support. Dismissing this as “racism” ignores the real issues that elites refuse to address.
