Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström announced via his social network page on X (formerly known as Twitter) that Swedish authorities are engaging in close, active cooperation with Belgian authorities to locate the individual who fired on Swedish football fans in Brussels. The communication underscored a shared commitment to rapid information exchange and joint efforts across national lines to ensure a comprehensive investigation. The collaborative tone reflected the seriousness with which both nations are treating the incident, and it signaled that officials are coordinating across ministries and law enforcement agencies to pursue every viable lead.
The public update noted that the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs instructed its staff to maintain ongoing contact with Swedish citizens in Belgium. In practical terms, this translated into a coordinated safety advisory being distributed via text messages to subscribers in Belgium, urging people to remain vigilant and to follow the instructions issued by Belgian authorities. The message stressed situational awareness and highlighted the importance of heeding official guidance during a rapidly evolving security scenario. The aim was to ensure the protection of travelers, residents, and spectators who may have been affected by the disturbance, while minimizing fear and confusion through clear, authoritative directions.
Initial reports described a violent attack targeting supporters of the Swedish national team in Brussels. The assailant employed a Kalashnikov assault rifle, and the incident occurred as chants erupted from the crowd. In the immediate aftermath, the Belgian authorities announced the postponement of the match between Belgium and Sweden due to safety concerns. Law enforcement quickly expanded the scope of their inquiry, reviewing surveillance footage, processing witness statements, and coordinating with international partners to trace the suspect. While investigations progressed, officials cautioned that no definitive conclusions could be drawn about the attacker, including his identity or motives, until substantial, verifiable evidence was gathered. The Belgian Prime Minister issued condolences to victims and their families, and both nations reiterated their commitment to a thorough, transparent investigation. In parallel, border security measures were enhanced to prevent any further threats and to ensure the safety of the public during a sensitive period of international sport.
Media outlets have provided varying details about the individual involved, with early reports mentioning the possibility that the attacker was a Tunisian national around middle age, though officials emphasized that such details must be confirmed through rigorous investigative procedures before any definitive statement is released. The situation has prompted a careful, measured public communications strategy intended to balance the urgency of the incident with the need to avoid unnecessary stigma or misinformation while investigators pursue every viable lead. Authorities have urged patience from fans and residents as the security apparatus intensifies checks, reviews all available evidence, and collaborates with partners across borders to bring clarity to what happened and why. The overarching priority remains safeguarding public safety while ensuring that the rule of law is applied fairly and thoroughly.