One person was shot dead in the Brussels municipality of Anderlecht and another was injured, the Brussels Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed on Sunday evening.
Police from the Brussels-Midi zone received reports of gunshots at around 20:50 near Aumale metro station. The reports were confirmed by Yasmina Vanoverschelde, spokesperson for the prosecutor’s office.
"One man was fatally wounded. Another person was injured. The Brussels Public Prosecutor’s Office has been informed. We cannot comment further at this time in the interest of the investigation," Vanoverschelde stated.
The shooting occurred on Rue de Sébastopol, near a café close to Aumale metro station. Two people were targeted; one was injured, while the other did not survive.
Fusillade à Anderlecht ce soir…. un homme armé aurait été abattu ! La violence dans les quartiers à Bruxelles est terrifiante. Il est plus que temps d’avoir un pilote dans le cockpit de notre Région.. Il y a urgence ! La maison brûle…. pic.twitter.com/2UBjj5bcWn
— Latifa Aït-Baala (@LatifaAitBaala) December 22, 2024
Passersby attempted to resuscitate the man, but he succumbed to his gunshot wounds. The suspect, who reportedly used a heavy firearm, likely an automatic rifle, fled the scene.
Police patrols searched the neighbourhood with support from a federal police helicopter. It is not yet clear if any suspects have been apprehended.
Aumale metro station was closed under police orders and a judicial exclusion zone was established, as observed by the Belga news agency at the scene. Police vehicles were stationed around the metro entrance.
Casualty in stable condition
On Monday evening it was confirmed hat the person who was injured but not killed is now in a stable condition and was caught in the crossfire, according to the Brussels public prosecutor's office.
Whilst attempts to resuscitate one 28-year-old man were unsuccessful, the second victim was taken to hospital. "Their condition is currently stable, and their life is not in danger," the prosecutor's office confirmed on Monday. "Initial investigation suggests the injured victim was probably an unintended casualty."
The federal police laboratory, a forensic pathologist, and a ballistics expert were dispatched to the scene. The prosecutor's office has launched an investigation for murder and attempted murder and appointed an investigating judge.
Shell casings were found at the scene. Preliminary information suggests the weapon used was a Kalashnikov-type rifle.
"The suspects are currently being sought and an investigation is ongoing. The motive remains unknown and all leads are being explored," the prosecutor's office stated, adding that no further information will be released to protect the integrity of the investigation.
