Groups of loyal pro-British fighters were probably behind the hijacking and placing the fake device on a truck whose driver was ordered to go to an event where Mr Coveney was speaking on Friday, officials said. The device installed by the two gunmen, Assistant Commander Mark McYuan said in a press conference, adding that he would not speculate on the motives of the crime. He said the driver of the vehicle thought he had to carry a bomb. “Just think about it, the victim believed at this point that he was driving a van containing a live bomb and that his family was being threatened,” McEwan added. “The local community was also affected. More than 25 houses were evacuated, local schools were affected and vulnerable residents of a local nursing home had to be relocated.” Image: Emergency services are monitoring a safety alert And he appealed for information to anyone who has any information about the incident, gunmen or van movements, to come to the police. The event was organized by the John and Pat Hume Foundation and Sky News understands that Mr. Cowney was five minutes into his speech before being led off the premises and the rest of the audience moving away from the back of the building. Mr Coveney left the scene in a hurry and responded to the security alert on Twitter, writing: “In Belfast with @Humefoundation to honor John & Pat’s legacy of peace for all communities. “I’m sorry and disappointed that someone was attacked and victimized in this way and my thoughts are with him and his family.” The Irish Foreign Minister was speaking at The Houben Center on Crumlin Road to address the Building Common Ground event. Tim Atwood, the foundation’s president, told Sky News that the incident was “very frustrating for the local community and that a funeral may have been abruptly interrupted”. “It is very disturbing that an important event on the subject of common ground, which seeks to build relations in Northern Ireland, ended abruptly with a bomb warning,” he said. “This is the first physical event hosted by the foundation in Northern Ireland because of COVID. The days of violence or threats of violence are long gone. “The Pat Hume Foundation is committed to the values of peace and we continue our journey for peace and reconciliation.” Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:46 Bomb-clearing robot on stage A bomb disposal robot was later depicted on the scene. At the time of the incident, the Northern Ireland Police Department said they “had a security alert in the Crumlin Road area of North Belfast”, as they advised motorists to “avoid the area and look for alternative main routes for their journey”. Image: The event was organized by the John and Pat Hume Foundation Mr Coveney addressed the crowd on the importance of reconciliation in Northern Ireland, saying: “The patient work of reconciliation and deepening relations must continue on our island.” A spokesman for the Irish Foreign Ministry confirmed that he and his team were safe, adding: “They have been relocated to a safe location and PSNI is doing its job.” The funeral at the nearby Church of the Holy Cross was also interrupted as a result of the security alarm. North Belfast MP John Finucan said the incident was “shameful” and that those behind the “pirate van had no place in society”. “As they try to bring back the past, we will continue to work for the future,” he wrote on Twitter. His thoughts were echoed by politicians in Northern Ireland, including Sinn Fein Stormont leader Michelle O’Neill, who condemned the attack. I condemn the actions of those involved in the security alarm at an event that focuses on peace, reconciliation and finding common ground. Those who are determined to cause instability and upset will not succeed. Those of us who are committed to peace will not be discouraged. – Michelle O’Neill (@moneillsf) March 25, 2022 I know reports of an ongoing security alert in Belfast. I am up to date and in regular contact with PSNI. Solidarity with @simoncoveney and all those affected. – Brandon Lewis (@BrandonLewis) March 25, 2022 “Those who are determined to cause instability and unrest will not succeed. Those of us who are committed to peace will not be discouraged,” he said. DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said people “want to get on with their lives and have no truck with those who cling to violence”. Meanwhile, the Archbishop of the Church of Ireland, the Most Reverend John McDowell, said the incident was “shameful”. The Foreign Secretary for Northern Ireland, Brandon Lewis, said he was aware of the security alert and wrote on Twitter his “solidarity” with Mr Cowney. Northern Ireland Shadow Minister Peter Kyle described the news as “disgusting and deeply disturbing”.
