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Diaranson, 18 October 2023 AWEMainta INTERNATIONAL 43

Belgian Police Fatally Shoot Suspected Gunman in

Brussels Following Attack on Swedish Nationals

IN the aftermath of an overnight manhunt, Belgian authori-
ties have confirmed the demise of the suspected gunman

responsible for a terrorist attack that claimed the lives of
two Swedish nationals. Although the identity of the suspect
remains undisclosed, swift action by the police has brought
the episode to an end.

The Belgian federal prosecutor’s office reported on Tuesday
that a witness first spotted the suspect within a cafe in
Schaerbeek, a municipality in Brussels. The witness imme-

diately alerted the authorities. An “intervention” by the
police followed, resulting in the suspect’s use of a military
weapon, which triggered a confrontation with law enforce-
ment. Despite attempts to resuscitate him, the suspect ulti-

mately succumbed to his injuries. This episode was marked
by a rapid and decisive response, leaving the café where the
suspect was found secured by law enforcement.

Efforts to obtain further information regarding the case are
ongoing, with inquiries directed to the offices of Belgium’s
Prime Minister, Interior Minister, and Federal Prosecutor.
The assailant’s actions unfolded during a Euro 2024 quali-

fier soccer game between Belgium and Sweden at the King
Baudouin Stadium, located approximately 3 miles (5 kilome-
ters) from central Brussels. The nature of the attack forced scene.
the match’s abandonment at halftime.

Belgian authorities have unequivocally condemned the
Subsequently, the stadium was evacuated, and fans were attack, and Belgium’s Foreign Minister, Hadja Lahbib,
advised to return home without delay. emphasized the necessity to marshal all available resources
In a video posted on social media, the gunman identi- to confront radicalism.

fied himself, proclaiming allegiance to the Islamic State. In response to the incident, the terror threat level in Brussels
Belgium’s federal prosecutor’s office confirmed that the was raised to the highest level of 4. France’s Interior Ministry
Swedish nationality of the victims was a probable motivating also intensified border checks at the Franco-Belgian border,
factor for the attack. Notably, there are presently no indica- illustrating a coordinated security response. The mayor

tions of a connection to the Israeli-Palestinian situation. of Brussels, Philippe Close, confirmed the presence of law
enforcement officers patrolling the city’s streets, ensuring
This incident comes amid a backdrop of Quran-burning safety and public order.
protests that have recently taken place in Sweden and

Denmark. These events have ignited demonstrations Belgium’s Prime Minister, Alexander De Croo, extended
across several Muslim-majority nations, amplifying security his condolences to the relatives of the victims. He further
concerns and prompting introspection on the need to review expressed that priority is now focused on supporting the
the liberal freedom of speech laws in both Scandinavian affected families. Additionally, he asserted the importance

countries. of ensuring the safe repatriation of Swedish soccer fans.
Sweden’s Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson, conveyed his appre-
A witness who observed the attack disclosed that they heard ciation for the international solidarity extended to Sweden
the initial gunshot, followed by a fleeing couple and a swiftly during this trying period. He reaffirmed their commitment to

departing white car. The assailant then entered a building, unified action against terrorism while mourning the tragic
fired two shots at a man, and subsequently departed the loss of life.