Belgian police are currently searching for the suspected extremist-motivated shooter who tragically killed two Swedes. The incident was so alarming that authorities had to take preventive measures, including temporarily closing the Euro qualifier football match between Belgium and Sweden, ensuring the safety of about 35,000 fans.
Eric Van Duyse, a spokesman for the federal prosecutor's office, said the investigation was focusing on a potential terrorist behind the shooting, whose claim of responsibility was found on social media. Van Duyse said the individual responsible claimed to be inspired by the Islamic State, with the victim's Swedish nationality believed to be a possible motive. It should be noted that there is currently no evidence linking this incident to the Israeli-Palestinian situation, which is reassuring amid growing concerns about attacks linked to the Israeli-Hamas conflict in many European countries. After the match was suspended for more than two hours, a message was displayed on the stadium screen asking fans to leave the field peacefully.
The stands spilt out into the street, filled with police who continued to search for the shooter. Regarding the football match, security measures were quickly deployed to ensure the safety of Swedish fans at the national stadium, near the scene of the shooting.
The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, expressed horror at the indiscriminate killings in the centre of Brussels. She emphasized the need to prevent the entry of terrorism and extremism into our society, ensuring that everyone feels safe. Prime Minister Alexander De Croo has expressed his sincere condolences to the Swedish Prime Minister following the devastating attack on Swedish citizens in Brussels. He emphasized the importance of joint efforts in the fight against terrorism.
Amateur videos broadcast to the media showed a man arriving on a scooter wearing a fluorescent orange vest. He abandoned the scooter and immediately fired a large gun at passersby. Two Swedes were killed in the attack and a local taxi driver was injured but not in a critical condition. The attacker then fled on his scooter into the darkness.
Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden acknowledged the tragic shooting in Brussels and assured the public that the perpetrators were actively sought. In Belgium, the counter-terrorism centre announced that the terror alert in the capital had been raised to the highest level of 4, indicating an "extremely serious" threat. Previously, he was level 2, a medium threat level. The rest of the country has also raised its alert level to level 2. Antwerp fan Caroline Lochs described an atmosphere of frustration, confusion and fear. Although the number of casualties was relatively low compared to previous extremist attacks in Europe, feelings of fear and apprehension quickly returned.
In the wake of this tragic event, our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of the victims, as well as to the entire community affected by this senseless act of violence. It is a stark reminder of the need for unity and compassion in the face of such atrocities.
As we reflect on this distressing incident, let us stand together, offering our support and solidarity to those in pain. May we find strength in each other, and may the memory of those lost be a beacon of hope for a future free from such senseless acts. In times like these, it is crucial to remember that empathy and understanding can help heal wounds and bring solace to those who need it most.
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