Brussels is on high alert after a gunman claiming to be inspired by ISIS shot and killed two Swedes in the city center. The gunman, identified as Abdesalem Lassoued, fled the scene and a massive manhunt is underway. The city has elevated its terror alert to the highest level.
Brussels is on high alert after a gunman, claiming to be inspired by Islamic State (ISIS), shot dead two Swedes in the city center, according to federal prosecutors. The attacker, identified as Abdesalem Lassoued, fled the scene on a motorcycle after the deadly attack, prompting Belgian authorities to launch a massive manhunt.
Disturbing footage captured by witnesses shows the assailant targeting and shooting people in public, while other images circulating on the internet depict a victim’s body inside a taxi. Dramatic video later emerged of Lassoued in a vibrant orange jacket fleeing from the scene on a motorcycle, with a bystander closely following in pursuit.
The gunman, using the alias ‘Slayem Slouma’, proudly announced the two killings on Facebook. The attack occurred shortly before Belgium’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Sweden, leading to the abandonment of the match and the instruction for the crowd to stay inside the stadium.
Lassoued, allegedly of Tunisian heritage, claimed that his actions were in retaliation for the death of a six-year-old US-Palestinian boy. Speaking in Arabic, he celebrated the act and declared it was carried out in the name of ISIS.
The city of Brussels has raised its terror alert to the highest level, urging the public to stay home until the threat has been eradicated. The ongoing investigation is focusing on a possible terrorist motivation for the shooting, as a claim of responsibility was posted on social media.
The alleged attacker indicated that his actions were in revenge for the fatal stabbing of six-year-old Wadea Al-Fayoume, who was tragically killed in Plainfield, Illinois. Lassoued’s attack is being treated as a terror attack, and he is of Tunisian origin, living in Belgium legally.
The Swedish victims, dressed in their national team’s jerseys, were on their way to a match when they were targeted. The match between Belgium and Sweden was ultimately abandoned, with players and fans confined within the stadium for their safety. The OCAD anti-terror center raised the terror alert for the entire country, signifying an escalated state of vigilance and security measures across Belgium..