A shooting incident erupted early Wednesday morning near the Clémenceau Metro station in Anderlecht, Brussels, initiating an extensive manhunt for the suspects involved. According to reports from Le Soir, gunfire was heard around 6:15 AM, prompting immediate police action as multiple suspects fired weapons resembling kalashnikovs before fleeing.
Sarah Frederickx, spokeswoman for the Brussels Sud police, stated, "The suspects fled toward the metro station and may still be inside the tunnel between the Clémenceau and Brussels Midi stations." This statement came as it was confirmed there were no injuries reported during the chaotic episode, which alarmed morning commuters. Frederickx confirmed the extensive police operation, which included units from the federal police and specialized response teams working through metro tunnels.
Video surveillance footage released by RTBF showed at least two individuals, masked and armed with automatic weapons, exiting the Clémenceau station, firing shots before retreating back inside. The rapid response from law enforcement included the shutting down of several metro lines, particularly lines 2 and 6, disrupting service for many travelers. The police, concerned about public safety and the possibility of the suspects still being armed, emphasized they wanted to avoid taking any risks.
"We are searching for at least two, possibly three individuals. They could still be armed," Frederickx reassured the public. A command post was established at the Anderlecht town hall to coordinate the search efforts, which included checking the area and surrounding tunnels, particularly between the Trône and Gare de l’Ouest stations, where the suspects were believed to have fled.
Images from the scene depicted the gravity of the situation, with police presence heightened throughout the area. The Brussels transport authority, Stib, communicated the interruptions of metro and tram services worked to maintain safety and conduct thorough investigations, which would resume operations once deemed safe. The upheaval caused by the incident has led to significant delays and uncertainties for commuters throughout the day.
While the motivations behind the shooting have not been confirmed, RTBF suggested possible connections to drug trafficking, with police indicating the shooting might have been intended as intimidation. “This could be related to drug trafficking,” one police source noted, though officials have yet to establish definitive motives or declare any connections to broader criminal enterprises.
The hunt for the suspects continues as authorities process the information gathered from video evidence and witness accounts. The area around Clémenceau station remains under heightened security, and investigators are working diligently to piece together the events leading up to the shooting and the subsequent escape.
Frederickx commented, “The police from Brussels Midi and the federal railway police are combing the area.” The absence of injuries has offered some relief to officials, but the psychological impact of such violence plays heavily on the minds of the community members.
Local reactions have been characterized by alarm as residents and commuters grapple with the reality of violence occurring within their daily lives. A palpable sense of unease fills the air as many wonder how safe they truly are on their morning commute.
Further updates are expected as the investigation develops and police release more details about the suspects and their apprehension. The Brussels public is urged to remain vigilant as police gather information to initiate the arrests.
Meanwhile, Brussels Metro services are incrementally resuming, with authorities managing to secure other stations and secure the general surface area.