And now, we’re going to turn our attention to the mayhem at the Halloween Festival last night. What should have been a friendly celebration of our wizarding heritage turned ugly when a person or persons unknown tampered with the refreshments so that attendees began behaving like their costumes.
Eurgain Burke:
Yes, and Minister Avery's office has issued a statement about the incident. Quote: "We condemn this attack on a peaceful gathering of the wizarding community, which caused significant distress and injury to gala-goers. While to some, this may seem like a harmless prank, we take the safety and security of our citizens seriously. The Department of Magical Law Enforcement will be investigating this attack and seeking justice for its victims."
Alan:
[ Sighs ] I just... I don’t really know what to say, Eurgain.
Eurgain:
It really makes you feel unsafe, doesn’t it? When people are willing to attack a Halloween Festival, what won't they do?
Alan:
This attack was clearly committed by a person with no respect for our community.
Eurgain:
I'm just so relieved they didn’t choose to attack Family Day. Can you imagine?
Alan:
Merlin, those poor children.
Eurgain:
[ Sounding a bit choked up] These are the kinds of things that make me fear for our future as a culture.
Alan:
[ In soothing tones ] That’s what Minister Avery is fighting for. He’ll bring the attackers to justice. But in the meantime, our resident Real Talker, Ariadne Wilkes, was a victim of this attack. Ariadne, what can you tell us about the experience?
Ariadne Wilkes:
It was really frightening, Alan! I was dressed as a vampire and was afraid that I was going to bite someone and hurt them. Afterwards, I just felt really unsettled, like someone wanted me to feel unhappy and unsafe at a fun party. I could have really hurt someone! And then I’d have had to live with that for the rest of my life. It’s really unfortunate that someone chose to make people celebrating as a community feel like they can’t go out and have fun without being the subject of vicious pranks.
Eurgain:
But you’re all right, Ariadne?
Ariadne:
Physically, yes. But I don’t know when I’ll feel comfortable in my own community again. I’m just glad that Minister Avery is taking this seriously and pursuing it to the full extent of the law.