In a shocking incident, an unidentified gunman opened fire in the bustling city of Brussels, tragically claiming the lives of at least two Swedish citizens. The assailant managed to flee the scene before law enforcement could arrive, plunging the city into a state of panic and disbelief.
The incident unfolded in broad daylight, sending shockwaves through the city’s busy streets. Both victims, who were later identified as Swedish nationals, were pronounced dead at the scene. While it is unclear whether they were present for the Euro 2024 qualifier match between Sweden and Belgium, their identities have not been released pending notification of their next of kin.
Authorities have launched a massive manhunt for the assailant, who remains at large. The motive behind the attack is still shrouded in mystery, and investigators are diligently piecing together the events leading up to the tragic shooting.
A video posted on social media showed an Arabic-speaking man claiming responsibility for the attack in the name of God, as reported by BBC News. The individual in the clip claimed to have taken the lives of three people. However, the Federal Prosecutor’s office could not confirm if he is the actual gunman, and the video, along with other footage of the attack, is currently under verification by the police.
In response to this horrific incident, federal prosecutors in Belgium have opened a terrorism probe, according to AFP news agency, following the shooting on the Boulevard d’Ypres.
A separate video shared on social media, although not verified by BBC News, depicted a man wearing a fluorescent jacket disembarking from a scooter armed with what appears to be an assault-style rifle. He entered a nearby glass-fronted building and, in the footage, was seen shooting at least one person.
The authorities have cordoned off nearby roads, and heightened security measures are in place across the city as the search for the gunman intensifies. This incident has left Brussels in a state of shock and mourning, with the entire city united in their desire to bring the perpetrator to justice.
(With inputs from agencies)
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