Almost 100 shootings took place in Brussels last year. But for the majority of these incidents, the Brussels Public Prosecutor's Office has not been able to arrest any perpetrators. Just two people have actually been convicted.
Official figures record 92 shootings in the Brussels-Capital Region in 2024, an absolute record and an increase of almost 50% compared to 2023 when 62 shootings were recorded. This put the city in the top three cities in Europe with the most gun violence, together with Marseille and Naples. These incidents claimed the lives of nine people and injured 48 others.
For three-quarters of the shootings last year (67 in total, or 75%), the perpetrators are still at large, Bruzz reported. The police and the public prosecutor have not yet been able to identify anyone. These investigations are still ongoing.
In the remaining 23 cases, 63 suspected perpetrators or accomplices have been identified, but only 36 of them have been arrested. They are either in pre-trial detention in prison, under electronic surveillance or have been released on parole. Just two perpetrators have been convicted so far.
Identified perpetrators of all fatal shootings
The new public prosecutor Julien Moinil insisted during a hearing in the Brussels parliament last week that all investigations into the fatal shootings had been ‘solved’ and he confirmed to Bruzz that all perpetrators of these specific shootings which led to the deaths of people are known.
"We have identified the perpetrators of all fatal shootings in 2024," he said. "That does not necessarily mean that we have arrested the perpetrators and accomplices of every fatal incident. Some perpetrators may be abroad, but we do know who they are. That is an important step."
At least two-thirds (66%) of the cases opened by the office were linked to the drug scene. For 14%, it was confirmed the shootings had nothing to do with drugs. The context of the remaining 20% has yet to be determined.
These figures mirror the situation so far this year. Brussels has already seen 11 shootings, resulting in two deaths. The investigations into the recent fatal shootings on 7 February in Peterbos and 15 February in Cureghem near the Clemenceau metro station are still ongoing. Two suspects have been arrested in the investigation into the shooting at Clemenceau metro station on 5 February.
