A police officer was fatally stabbed this evening in Istanbul, and another officer sustained injuries, according to official statements from the authorities. The incident has drawn swift investigations and a careful review of the sequence of events that led to the attack, which occurred in the Schaerbeek district of Brussels, a municipality within the Brussels-Capital Region. Observers note that the attack involved two patrol officers who were confronted by an armed assailant while on duty. The ensuing chaos prompted calls for reinforcements as the situation escalated and authorities began a rapid response to secure the area and care for the wounded.
Witnesses report that the assailant shouted phrases linked to extremist rhetoric during the assault, though official prosecutors have not disclosed details about this aspect of the event. The Prosecutor’s Office is conducting a thorough inquiry to determine motive and to establish the exact chronology of the attack, including how the suspect was confronted by officers on patrol and how he was subsequently restrained by a fellow officer using a sidearm. Local outlets citing police sources have provided varying particulars, and the Prosecution has indicated that some elements of the narrative are still under review.
The attack took place around 19:15 local time in Schaerbeek, one of the 19 municipalities within the Brussels-Capital Region. The two patrol officers were attacked by an armed man, and one of the officers immediately requested reinforcements. In a rapid sequence of events, another patrol unit arrived to assist and was able to neutralize the attacker, according to reports gathered by Le Soir and corroborated by law enforcement briefings. The two injured officers and the attacker were transported to a hospital for urgent medical treatment. Despite the efforts of medical staff, one officer succumbed to the seriousness of the injuries sustained during the confrontation.
Emergency response teams, including two ambulances and three additional units from the Brussels fire department, arrived on the scene to provide medical care and support for the victims and to help manage the incident scene. The tragedy has prompted condolences from national leaders and officials who stressed the daily risk faced by police personnel who work to protect the public and uphold the rule of law. Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo issued a statement on social media, offering sympathy to the family and friends of the deceased officer and extending wishes for a speedy recovery to the hospitalized officer. He also reaffirmed the commitment of the government to supporting the police and ensuring public safety in the aftermath of this violent act.
Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden joined in the condemnation of the violence, expressing sorrow for the loss and emphasizing that such acts have no place in Belgian society. She noted that she was in close contact with local authorities and police leadership to monitor the situation and coordinate ongoing responses. Verlinden also underscored the importance of unity within the law enforcement community and the broader public as investigations proceed and as officials work to restore a sense of security in the affected neighborhood. Her remarks reflected a broader concern for the well-being of officers and the communities they serve, especially in times of heightened tension.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola voiced her reaction to the incident, describing the death of a police officer on duty as a shocking and unacceptable breach of public safety. She noted the close working relationship between Belgian authorities and the European Parliament, expressing solidarity with the families and colleagues of the officers, and with the people of Belgium at large. The comments from Metsola framed the event within the wider context of European democratic institutions working together to support security services in facing violent threats, while also acknowledging the personal impact on those connected to the police and the community.
Belgian media later reported that the suspect appeared at a police station in Evere, near Schaerbeek, around midday, where he reportedly announced an intention to attack the police. The individual was subsequently transferred to a hospital for psychiatric evaluation with consent and under judicial supervision. Sources indicate that he was released after the assessment, though prosecutors continue to examine the man’s actions and any relevant indications of planning or intent. The ongoing legal and medical proceedings will determine the next steps in this rapidly evolving case and will help clarify the motivations behind the attack and the reactions of authorities in the immediate aftermath.