Belgian authorities are conducting a manhunt after two people were shot and killed in a late morning incident tied to a football match in Brussels. The victims were both seen wearing Swedish football shirts, according to initial reporting from Het Laatste Nieuws, which has been closely following developments on the ground.
The shooting reportedly occurred near Ieperlaan, a location north of the city center and about five kilometers from the King Baudouin Stadium, the venue where the match was scheduled to be played. Witnesses and local outlets describe a tense scene as bystanders watched events unfold with shock and concern for safety in the capital region. Video clips circulating online appear to show an armed assailant pursuing an individual into a building before sounds of gunfire are heard. Authorities are believed to be pursuing a suspect who may have fled the area wearing a fluorescent orange jacket, though verification from official channels is ongoing.
A witness contacted the media outlet to share the emotional impact of the moment. The testimony described the moment of alarm and the immediate response from bystanders who scrambled to make sense of what had occurred as sirens began to wail in the distance. The immediate aftermath left many residents uneasy about the security situation in Brussels and the broader region surrounding the city.
In a public statement, the Prime Minister of Belgium addressed the incident via social media, signaling government engagement with the evolving situation. Meanwhile, the mayor of Brussels offered remarks aimed at reassuring residents while underscoring the seriousness of the event and the city’s security posture during what was described as a crisis moment for the capital. The mayor noted that police units were mobilized to secure the city and its surroundings and highlighted ongoing coordination with the Ministry of the Interior to manage the response. These messages conveyed a sense of gravity about the incident and the need for orderly crisis management as information continued to emerge.
As the day progressed, Belgium’s national crisis center elevated the terrorism alert to the highest level pending further assessment. The decision led to a postponement of the Belgium versus Sweden match at half-time, with stadium officials announcing the halt to play. Reports from those present indicated that players had refused to take the field for the final 45 minutes, and an audible public address at the stadium explained that the players chose not to continue the match in the wake of the events in Brussels. The shift in plans reflected a broader precautionary approach to safeguard attendees and participants during a period of heightened security concerns.
Security measures at the venue remained tight, with attendees instructed to remain inside secured areas and restrictions placed on exiting the arena as authorities worked to preserve safety while investigations continued. The incident prompted a wave of reactions from fans, residents, and officials who emphasized the importance of measured, coordinated responses when threats arise in urban centers hosting major sporting events. As investigators assess the scene, questions about motive, the timeline of events, and any potential links to broader security threats are being examined by Belgian authorities supported by international partners and security agencies.
Footage and firsthand accounts are being reviewed to construct a clear account of the sequence of events, while authorities urged the public to rely on official updates for accurate information. The broader impact of the shooting touched on public space security, emergency response protocols during large gatherings, and the resilience of a city frequently visited by residents and visitors alike for its cultural and sporting events. As the investigation continues, officials reiterated the commitment to transparency and to keeping the public informed as new details emerge.
In the days ahead, investigators are expected to release more information about the perpetrators, the victims, and the circumstances surrounding the attack. The incident has already prompted a renewed dialogue about urban security measures and the balance between safeguarding public life and preserving the freedoms associated with major events. Communities across Brussels and beyond watch closely as authorities pursue leads, secure potential locations, and work to restore a sense of safety in the capital region after this unsettling event.