Swedish Spectators Tragically Gunned Down Ahead of Belgium-Sweden Soccer Qualifier, Assailant Still At Large
In a shocking act of violence that rocked the European sports community, two Swedish nationals were fatally shot in Brussels on Monday evening, mere hours before the soccer qualifying match between Belgium and Sweden for the 2024 UEFA European Championship. The unidentified gunman fled the scene on a motorcycle, triggering a city-wide manhunt.
From the scene of the accident-Source: AL-Arabiya
Prime Minister Alexander De Croo decried the “cowardly attack,” urging unity among Belgian citizens in the fight against terrorism. The Federal Prosecutor’s Office, responsible for terrorism cases, has initiated an investigation into the attack.
Belgium: 2 Swedish citizens were murdered in a shooting attack by a terrorist in Brussels.#بروكسل #فهد_الجبيري#بلجيكا #عاجل #أن_تعرف_أكثر #الجزيرة_لن_تبلغ_عن_هذاhttps://t.co/cKJfzrPPOZ
— Vagabond #JusticeForMalkiRoth (@vagabond2022) October 16, 2023
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, was among several leaders to publicly condemn the “despicable” act. On social media platform “X” (formerly Twitter), she expressed her sympathies to the victims’ families, reiterating the importance of united opposition to terrorism.
Tonight, my thoughts are with the families of the two victims of the despicable attack in Brussels.
I extend my heartfelt support to the Belgian police, so they swiftly apprehend the suspect.
Together, we stand united against terror.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) October 16, 2023
I want to express my deepest condolences to @SwedishPM Kristersson and the Swedish people who have lost two of their compatriots tonight in the cowardly attack in Brussels.
Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) October 16, 2023
The assault has sent shockwaves through Europe, drawing similar reactions from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who denounced the attack committed “in the heart of Europe,” and condemned all forms of “violence, extremism, and terrorism.”
The tragic incident took place near the Sanktilet Square in Brussels’ northern districts. The soccer match was halted at halftime, as Swedish players refused to continue after learning about the horrific event, according to Francophone channel RTBF.
Footage circulating on social media shows the assailant speaking in Arabic, although the video’s authenticity could not be immediately verified. Meanwhile, Belgium remains vigilant in the face of increased terror threats, especially following the recent stabbing of a French teacher in a separate incident linked to extremist elements.
This incident adds another dark chapter to the ongoing struggle with terrorism in Europe, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance and collective action against extremist elements. With the assailant still on the loose, Brussels remains a city on edge, reflecting broader European anxieties about public safety and the persistence of extremist violence.
