The assault led by Seamus Woods and the Irish Republican Army on the Royal Irish Constabulary's headquarters in Belfast represented an escalation in the violent struggle for Irish independence. As tensions mounted in the early 1920s, many groups opposed to British rule intensified their efforts. The IRA, formed in response to the partition of Ireland and the establishment of the Northern Ireland government, aimed to consolidate their power and frustrate British efforts to maintain control.

The attack was characterized by its planning and execution, featuring a well-coordinated effort that aimed not only to target the police but to send a strong message to British authorities. Armed with rifles and explosives, the attackers sought to dismantle key symbols of British governance. The event occurred in a climate of heightened civil strife, where everyday citizens were often caught in the crossfire between revolutionary factions and government forces.

In the immediate aftermath, the assault had a profound impact on the inhabitants of Belfast and the broader community. The police station, viewed as a seat of British authority, was a prime target, and the attack's success galvanized support for further IRA operations. As both sides prepared for more confrontations, it set a precedent for lasting hostility, ultimately contributing to the complex and tumultuous relationship between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in the years to follow.