The suspect charged after an explosive device was thrown into the Belfast Islamic Centre during Friday evening prayers last week appeared in court and may require a psychiatric assessment.
Jonathan Robert Bell, from Chester Manor, Belfast, is accused of attempting to cause an explosion and attempted arson which could endanger life.
The attack, which occurred around 22:10 on University Road, triggered a full security response and an evacuation of the building.
Police say the suspect was arrested at the scene under the Terrorism Act and remained in custody until he appeared in court 23 June.
About 30 people were praying inside the building when an explosive device was thrown through the window.
Assistant Chief Constable Anthony McNally confirmed that ammunition technical officers determined the device to be viable and removed it for forensic examination.
Detectives are currently investigating multiple possible motives, including the likelihood of a hate crime.
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He is further charged with making an explosive device, namely a pipe bomb, sometime between January and June, 2025.
There is also another count of criminal damage in relation to a broken window at the centre.
At Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Monday, a detective sergeant said they could connect Mr Bell to the charges. No application for bail was made.
The court heard Mr Bell had been released on a licence for unrelated matters which could now be revoked by parole commissioners.
The defendant’s legal team said there were concerns about his mental state during police interview and a request was made for a psychiatric assessment to be carried out.
District Judge Steven Keown described the application as premature while Mr Bell was remanded into custody and will appear again on 8 July.
The incident has deeply alarmed Belfast’s Muslim community amid a growing hostility to Muslims across the UK.
Kashif Akram of the Islamic Centre said the attack disrupted worship and provoked fear among attendees, adding: “They were here to do their prayers, minding their own business… They were very angry, very upset.”
Raied Al-Wazzan, a former treasurer of the centre, explained that the suspect had attempted to enter the building via the main door but was turned away by security.
He then reportedly smashed a window with a brick before throwing the device inside. A passer-by is said to have intervened, potentially preventing a greater tragedy.
The building was evacuated, and prayers were suspended overnight, but operations resumed the next morning. No injuries were reported.
Political leaders across the spectrum denounced the attack.
Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn called it “shameful” and urged anyone with information to contact police. “Hatred of this sort has no place in Northern Ireland,” he posted on X.
South Belfast Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw said the incident was an attempt to spread fear: “This attack was again designed to cause fear among people inside the centre, who were at prayer at the time.” She thanked the passer-by who intervened and praised the police response.
Sinn Féin MLA Deirdre Hargey described the act as “sinister,” stating that “acts like these, fuelled by hate, spread fear and division.” SDLP MP Claire Hanna expressed relief that no one was harmed but said the attack was “a frightening and disturbing experience” for the local community.
Green Party councillor Aine Groogan condemned the attack as a “cowardly and vicious act”.
“I am horrified to hear about the attack on the Islamic Centre during evening prayers,” she said. “I want to pay tribute to the courageous passer-by who intervened and prevented what could have been a far more tragic outcome.
“It is terrifying to consider what might have happened and I sincerely hope that all those present are recovering from this traumatic ordeal.”
She added: “This attack is yet another reminder of the very real danger faced by our Islamic community. The recent rise in racist hate and violence on our streets is a shameful stain on our society.
Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt said: “People of that faith are hospital surgeons and consultants, governors of our schools, contributing members of our society – unlike the racists who carry out such attacks.”
The PSNI is asking anyone with information to contact them on 101, quoting reference 1808 20/06/25, or to submit a report online or via Crime stoppers anonymously.
