A 19-year-old male was injured in a shooting incident that took place overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday in the Anderlecht area of Brussels, according to a statement from the Brussels prosecutor’s office on Wednesday.
According to the Brussels Public Prosecutor’s Office, the police from the Midi police zone responded to the shooting around 1:00 a.m. on April 30, 2025, in Rue Ruysdael. The victim suffered a gunshot wound to his left thigh and was promptly transported to a nearby hospital. Fortunately, his injuries are not considered life-threatening.
Investigation underway amid rising violence
The authorities have initiated an investigation to ascertain the details surrounding the incident, including the context of the shooting and the identification of the perpetrator(s). This latest incident adds to a troubling trend of gun violence that has recently afflicted the Belgian capital.
In just a few weeks, this marks the second shooting in Anderlecht, with a total of 11 reported incidents in the first six weeks of 2025. These incidents have resulted in two fatalities and four additional injuries. The recent upsurge in violence is being attributed to increasing gang-related activities and drug trafficking issues that have intensified in previous years.
Government faces criticism over crime prevention
The rise in gun violence has prompted renewed criticism towards the Brussels government, with opponents accusing local authorities of neglecting to tackle the increasing conflict and of failing to implement effective crime-prevention initiatives. As the investigation continues, residents remain anxious about safety in their neighborhoods.
“The investigation is ongoing in order to determine the circumstances of the events, the context in which they occurred, and to identify the perpetrator(s),” the statement added.