On Tuesday morning, Belgian police received a call that Abdeslam Lassoued (45), suspected of shooting two dead in central Brussels, was sitting at a café in Schaerbeek.
Searches had been ongoing through Monday night in the municipality of Schaerbeek, Belga News Agency reports. Police had focused their efforts on the so-called "Cage Aux Ours" district, near where the suspect lived.
When police intercepted the man at a café on Place Verboekhoven, a gunfight ensued in which the suspect was shot dead by police. Lassoued was shot in the chest and the weapon used in the attack was found with him.
The Federal Prosecutor's Office confirmed that the perpetrator of last night's shooting was identified and has passed away.
Earlier in the day, Belgian Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden had confirmed to Belga that the man who had been shot by police was indeed the terror suspect, which was also later substantiated by Brussels Mayor Philippe Close.
Translation: The terrorist has been neutralized by the police. Our priority is to guarantee the safety of our citizens. We act with composure and determination. Everyday life must be preserved as much as possible. Thank you to all public services for their collaboration.
The morning commute
During a press conference this morning, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo assured that there was "no reason to close schools". Several Brussels universities, as well as some schools, will switch to distance learning today due to the elevated terrorist threat. Brussels' Dutch-speaking VUB will switch to digital lessons. KU Leuven has also suspended its classes at its Brussels campuses.
Some workplaces, including the European Commission, have asked employees to work from home today.
Brussels public transport is operating normally, according to a spokesperson for STIB. Roi Badouin and Heysel metro stations have also been reopened. The public transport operator said that it will closely follow the recommendations of the National Crisis Centre.
Police pictured in the rue Van Oost in Schaerbeek. Credit: Belga / James Arthur Gekiere
The Interior Minister has ruled out the possibility of deploying troops to the streets of Brussels, as was the case during the 2016 terror attacks, but noted that security services were on "high alert." At 15:00, Brussels terror level, currently at 4, the highest since 2016, is set to be reviewed.
The public is asked to remain vigilant and to avoid unnecessary journeys. This advice may be subject to change.
This article will be updated as more information is released
