Two men armed with assault rifles caused alarm near the Clemenceau metro station in Brussels early Wednesday morning, firing several shots around 6:15 AM before fleeing the scene, prompting massive police response and disruption of public transport.
According to local media reports, surveillance footage shows the suspects, clad in hoodies and masks, brandishing weapons resembling Kalashnikov rifles as they fired shots at what appeared to be air rather than at people. Fortunately, no injuries were reported following the incident.
Spokesperson Guy Sablon from the intercommunal transport company of Brussels (STIB) stated, "The authors of the acts are being searched. It appears to be gunfire for intimidation, the shots were fired upwards and not at people. No one was injured and these acts do not occur in a terrorist background." This assertion quelled immediate fears of terrorism but raised serious concerns over public safety.
The shooting is believed to be linked to drug trafficking activities, as authorities have identified the area around Clemenceau as one of several drug trafficking hotspots. According to police, "It is highly likely the suspects were more than two at the shooting scene," which raised the stakes for the investigation.
Law enforcement quickly established a perimeter and suspended subway services on lines 2 and 6, halting traffic effectively between the Trône and Gare de l’Ouest stations. Police requested the shutdown of several tram services, including trams 4, 10, 51, and 82, as they organized search operations to locate the shooters, who might have darted away via tunnels connecting to the metro.
A local police spokesperson stated, "Their escape route through the metro indicates planned action. The incident led to significant disruptions around several stations, including Gare du Midi, Clemenceau, and Delacroix, which were closed for safety precautions." The increased police presence was aimed at preserving safety and reassuring the public.
The search operation for the suspects involved specialized units, with officers actively scouring potential hiding spots, including the foreboding and often chaotic networks of the Brussels metro system. Locals reported seeing increased patrols and added security measures as part of the heightened response to the shooting.
Despite the chaos, commuters displayed resilience as they adapted to the unexpected transport disruptions. Many residents voiced their frustration and concern over the violent outbreak, reflecting broader societal worries about the prevalence of gun-related incidents linked to drug trafficking.
Law enforcement is confident they will track down those responsible and plans to solidify efforts against drug-related crime. Sablon reaffirmed, "We will strive hard to restore normalcy and security to our transport system and city. Public trust is key, and we are committed to ensuring passenger safety."
This shooting serves as a grim reminder of the struggles some urban areas face concerning organized crime and violence and the constant interplay between community safety and the pressing threats of drug-related activities.
Authorities continue their investigations, urging anyone with information to come forward as they seek to bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly. Residents are left hoping for peace of mind as they navigate their everyday commutes amid the shadows of violence.