By MIcah Tanimu

In a shocking turn of events, a gunman unleashed terror in the heart of Brussels on Monday evening, resulting in the deaths of two individuals in what has been swiftly condemned as a “terrorist attack” by Belgium’s Foreign Minister.

The incident occurred near Place Sainctelette and Boulevard du Neuvième de Ligne shortly after 7 p.m., prompting immediate police response and the dispatch of patrols to the scene.

Brussels police spokesperson, Ilse Van de Keere, confirmed the loss of two lives, but as of now, further details about the situation are not readily available. She emphasized that the investigation is actively underway.

Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo expressed his deepest condolences to the relatives of the victims and labeled the attack as “cowardly.” He urged the people of Brussels to remain vigilant. Additionally, he conveyed his condolences to Sweden’s Prime Minister, considering that the attack targeted Swedish citizens on the same day when Sweden was scheduled to play Belgium in an international football match at the national stadium in northern Brussels.

Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib voiced her horror over the “terror attack” and called for all necessary measures to be taken to combat radicalism.

The Belgian National Crisis Center, responsible for coordinating security responses in the event of a terrorist incident, is closely monitoring the situation. Belgium’s Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden, Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne, and Prime Minister De Croo are currently at the National Crisis Center, near the prime minister’s office in the Belgian capital.

In the midst of this tragic event, Brussels Mayor Philippe Close assured that the police were mobilizing to ensure safety in and around the city, working in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior under Verlinden’s leadership. Authorities are actively pursuing the suspected shooter in their ongoing efforts to address this terrible shooting incident.