BRUSSELS — The escalating wave of violence in Brussels has prompted urgent calls for increased support for law enforcement agencies, as public prosecutor Julien Moinil addressed the Brussels regional parliament on Tuesday. He described the current situation as dire, emphasizing the necessity for additional resources to effectively manage ongoing investigations.
According to Moinil, “The situation is disastrous enough, to be honest.” He highlighted that the local police zone South is currently tasked with investigations under significant resource constraints, exacerbated by gang members utilizing “weapons of war.”
With a series of shootings reported since early February, the violence has resulted in two fatalities and at least three injuries. Authorities attribute much of the gunfire to disputes over drug trafficking and territorial conflicts among rival gangs.
Recent incidents of gun violence
The troubling trend of violence began on February 5, when two masked individuals opened fire with Kalashnikov-style weapons near the Clemenceau metro station, triggering an extensive hours-long manhunt in the metro tunnels that disrupted service across parts of the city. Another incident occurred on Monday evening near the Saint-Guidon metro station, where one person was injured, and the police are actively searching for the suspect.
In response to the escalating violence, Belgium’s Interior Minister Bernard Quintin announced plans to collaborate with Justice Minister Annelies Verlinden to develop strategies to combat drug-related violence in Brussels. He has also committed to bolstering the federal police force.
Calls for action and accountability
During the meeting, Moinil expressed his determination to ensure the promised reinforcements for the police materialize. He stated, “Yes, [Quintin] is now announcing reinforcements again. But enough with the announcements already: How many officers will now finally be added, and when?” His remarks reflect a growing urgency for tangible action in addressing the violent crime epidemic.
Despite the challenges, Moinil remains cautiously optimistic, asserting that urgent action is essential to curb the rising violence. “I’m optimistic but we do have to wake up urgently,” he concluded.