In the aftermath of the Brussels incident, authorities identified the attacker as someone connected to the terrorist organization ISIS (also known as the Islamic State), a group that is banned in Russia. A video later surfaced in which the individual stated his willingness to kill and to die for the cause. The shocking footage underscored the extremist motivation behind the attack and signaled a chilling intent that extended beyond a single act of violence.
During a European Championship qualifying match between Belgium and Sweden, a gunman opened fire on two fans of the Swedish national team as chants rang out in the stadium. The assailant brandished a Kalashnikov-style rifle as he fired, prompting organizers to suspend the game at halftime and redirect security measures to safeguard spectators and participants. Police and security services have stated that the gunman remains at large, and investigations continue to determine whether there was any broader network or planned objective behind the assault. In a public statement, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo offered condolences to the families of the victims and announced heightened border controls as part of a broader effort to prevent any repeat incidents.
In response to the events, Belgian authorities elevated the country’s terrorist threat level to the maximum level, signaling the seriousness of the threat and the need for vigilance across key infrastructure and public spaces. The escalation reflected concerns about potential follow-on attacks and the imperative to mobilize resources to disrupt any ongoing planning or recruitment by extremist actors.
A spokesperson for the prosecutor’s office indicated that the suspect was still at large and urged residents to remain indoors while the threat was assessed and containment measures were implemented. The guidance was clear: stay home and limit movement until security services determine that the area is secure and the risk has subsided.
According to a video released by the Flemish newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws, the shooter wore a fluorescent orange jacket and used an automatic rifle, making a rapid exit from the scene after the assault. The footage, along with subsequent security camera images, helped investigators trace the suspect’s movements in the immediate aftermath and reinforce the urgency of the manhunt.
Eyewitness accounts and subsequent media coverage showed a man firing multiple shots from a machine gun near a major transport hub, drawing widespread attention to the attack as it unfolded. Belgian television later confirmed that two of the victims were Swedish and that the taxi driver who ferried them to safety was among the injured. The hospital condition of that driver was reported as serious, underscoring the diverse impact of the violence on civilians and first responders alike. These details are part of a continuously evolving picture as investigators piece together the sequence of events and the broader context of the assault.
In the ensuing chase, law enforcement officers also responded with dispersal measures and cleared traffic to prevent further harm, including reporting that fireworks were observed during the pursuit. The incident prompted increased police presence in the region and a reevaluation of security protocols around large public gatherings, especially in international sporting events where crowds and fans are concentrated. The authorities stressed the importance of public cooperation and urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any information that could assist investigators in identifying the suspect and any potential accomplices. Attribution: and subsequent statements from Belgian law enforcement and government officials.