CCTV footage reveals armed men engaging in a shooting outside Clémenceau metro station, prompting a police hunt with no reported injuries. Authorities suspect drug trafficking links and assure the public there is no indication of terrorism.
Brussels Shooting: Police Pursue Armed Suspects Amid Transit Disruption
Brussels Shooting: Police Pursue Armed Suspects Amid Transit Disruption
Authorities in Belgium intensify their search for gunmen following a shooting incident near a metro station that caused widespread panic and disrupted public transit.
Empty Line:
Belgian police are actively hunting for suspects involved in a shooting incident that occurred early Wednesday outside the Clémenceau metro station in central Brussels. Surveillance footage shared by local media highlights at least two masked individuals wielding firearms, engaged in gunfire around 06:15 local time (05:15 GMT).
Sarah Frederickx, a spokesperson for Brussels police, stated that the assailants may have escaped into the metro system's tunnels. Crucially, she mentioned that there were no injuries reported from the shooting, emphasizing the need for caution given the suspects might still be armed. Reports indicate that the gunmen were reportedly carrying weapons that resembled Kalashnikovs. The BBC has confirmed the authenticity of videos circulating on social media, showing the armed men firing weapons, though their intended targets remain unclear.
Consequently, multiple metro stations in Brussels faced extensive closures, particularly affecting Clémenceau and nearby Brussels-Midi stations—integral for Eurostar services. While these stations have resumed operations, the incident disrupted thousands of commuters during peak morning hours. To manage the escalating situation, a command post has been established at Anderlecht town hall.
The local prosecutor's office confirmed that no arrests have been made thus far and assured that there are currently no indications linking the event to terrorist motives. Interior Minister Bernard Quintin has been monitoring the situation closely and provided assurances of continued vigilance to the public.
Speculation among Belgian media suggests potential connections to drug trafficking, especially considering the historical context of violence and crime in the vicinity of Brussels-Midi. Feedback from residents revealed a climate of fear, with one expressing concerns about safety in their daily routines, particularly while sending children to school or using public transport.
As the police continue to search for the suspects, authorities remain committed to ensuring public safety while clarifying the motives behind this alarming incident in the heart of Belgium's capital.
Belgian police are actively hunting for suspects involved in a shooting incident that occurred early Wednesday outside the Clémenceau metro station in central Brussels. Surveillance footage shared by local media highlights at least two masked individuals wielding firearms, engaged in gunfire around 06:15 local time (05:15 GMT).
Sarah Frederickx, a spokesperson for Brussels police, stated that the assailants may have escaped into the metro system's tunnels. Crucially, she mentioned that there were no injuries reported from the shooting, emphasizing the need for caution given the suspects might still be armed. Reports indicate that the gunmen were reportedly carrying weapons that resembled Kalashnikovs. The BBC has confirmed the authenticity of videos circulating on social media, showing the armed men firing weapons, though their intended targets remain unclear.
Consequently, multiple metro stations in Brussels faced extensive closures, particularly affecting Clémenceau and nearby Brussels-Midi stations—integral for Eurostar services. While these stations have resumed operations, the incident disrupted thousands of commuters during peak morning hours. To manage the escalating situation, a command post has been established at Anderlecht town hall.
The local prosecutor's office confirmed that no arrests have been made thus far and assured that there are currently no indications linking the event to terrorist motives. Interior Minister Bernard Quintin has been monitoring the situation closely and provided assurances of continued vigilance to the public.
Speculation among Belgian media suggests potential connections to drug trafficking, especially considering the historical context of violence and crime in the vicinity of Brussels-Midi. Feedback from residents revealed a climate of fear, with one expressing concerns about safety in their daily routines, particularly while sending children to school or using public transport.
As the police continue to search for the suspects, authorities remain committed to ensuring public safety while clarifying the motives behind this alarming incident in the heart of Belgium's capital.
