The armed man who attempted to enter the Prime Minister's residence will be tried for attempted murder and illegal possession of arms, the Public Prosecutor's Office has stated. He had previously attempted to attack the US Embassy.
On Monday 6 January at around 10:00, a 29-year-old man with a knife attempted to enter the official residence of outgoing Prime Minister Alexander De Croo (Open VLD) on Rue de la Loi. He was apprehended by the military police that guard the building and no one was injured.
The Public Prosecutor's have released more information about the incident. The man reportedly spoke incoherently as he approached the site. Soldiers convinced him to put down his knife and surrender without resistance.
The individual was then arrested by Brussels-Ixelles police. He was taken to the hospital for a check-up before being questioned at the police station.
Police is seen outside a meeting of the members of a possible coalition for the Federal Government after a man with knife was spotted and overpowered, in Brussels, Monday 6 January, 2024. Credit: Belga
Attack on US Embassy
It has also emerged that the suspect was previously involved in an incident in April 2024 in which he attempted to attack a security guard with a knife at the entrance to the US Embassy in Brussels.
When the initial attack occurred, he was forcibly admitted to a psychiatric hospital.
In connection with both incidents, the Public Prosecutor has requested an investigation into attempted murder and illegal possession of weapons. A psychiatric examination of the suspect has been requested.
Outgoing Prime Minister De Croo said he was "shocked by the incident" via his spokesperson on Monday. "We would like to express our sincere thanks to the military police officers," he said. "We are relieved that no one was injured in the incident." The suspect's motive remains unclear.
