The Belgian prime minister, Alexander De Croo, extended his condolences to Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Christersson after a violent attack in Brussels that targeted Swedish citizens. De Croo underscored solidarity with the victims’ families and friends and affirmed that Belgium’s partnership with Sweden includes a joint commitment to fighting terrorism. He made clear that Brussels stands with Sweden in this moment of tragedy, emphasizing that such acts threaten everyone’s safety and that the two nations will face them together.
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In the days following the incident, De Croo urged Brusseleirs to remain vigilant after an earlier, separate attack in the city centre. The assailant fled the scene and remained at large as authorities worked to secure the area. Residents were advised to limit unnecessary outings while the search continued.
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Condolences were also offered by European leaders, including European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who expressed sympathy to the victims’ families. Media reports describe an unidentified shooter, wearing an orange signal vest, arriving near a central Brussels building around 8 p.m. Moscow time and opening fire on pedestrians who wore jerseys of the Swedish national football team. A circulating video appears to show the gunman pursuing people and firing, with visuals suggesting the use of a Kalashnikov-type rifle.
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Current reporting confirms multiple fatalities and a number of injuries. Early indications suggest the victims were Swedish supporters who had travelled to Brussels to cheer for their team. Investigators indicate the attacker recorded a video in which he claimed affiliation with a terrorist organization and described the act as an attack on infidels, while also expressing willingness to die in the name of his beliefs.
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In the chase that ensued, law enforcement officers fired guns in the vicinity and deployed crowd-control measures. The incident has prompted tolling questions about security protocols in busy urban spaces and how to prevent such attacks in the future. Authorities continue to investigate the motives and the possible network behind the shooting, with officials outlining steps to enhance protection for public events and football matches across Europe.
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Experts note that the attacker’s alleged links to extremist organizations, as claimed in preliminary materials, heighten concerns about how lone actors and small networks operate in open city centres. European partners reaffirm the need for coordinated intelligence sharing and rapid response mechanisms to reduce risk to civilians at public gatherings. The tragedy serves as a sobering reminder that sports events, political milestones, and global connectivity can intersect with violent extremism in unpredictable ways.
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Beyond the immediate incident, officials stress the importance of unity and resilience. Communities are called to support those affected and to cooperate with investigators to ensure a thorough, transparent accounting of what happened and why. The path forward for Brussels and its European peers rests on reinforced vigilance, robust preventive measures, and a shared resolve to uphold safety without compromising open, democratic life.
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