No injuries reported, but public anxiety rises after shooting linked to potential drug trafficking.
**Brussels Investigates Early Morning Shooting at Metro Station**
**Brussels Investigates Early Morning Shooting at Metro Station**
Authorities search for armed suspects following gunfire amid worries over safety in the city.
Brussels police are currently on the lookout for armed individuals following a shooting incident that occurred outside Clémenceau metro station in the early hours of Wednesday. CCTV footage aired by local outlets reveals at least two men, equipped with balaclavas and firearms, engaged in an exchange of fire at approximately 06:15 local time (05:15 GMT).
Sarah Frederickx, a spokesperson for Brussels police, noted that the suspects may have retreated into the metro station's tunnels. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries from the shooting, despite the dramatic scenes. The police are currently pursuing a small group of individuals, likely two or three, and have indicated that they might still pose a threat. Reports from BruxellesToday suggest that the suspects were armed with Kalashnikov rifles. Verified footage circulated on social media shows the armed men firing weapons, though the target remains unclear.
As part of the response, several metro stations were temporarily closed, disrupting services at both Clémenceau and the nearby Brussels-Midi station, the latter serving as a Eurostar terminal. These stations have since reopened, resuming normal operations. A command center has been established at the Anderlecht town hall, just west of the city's core, to manage the ongoing search efforts.
The prosecutor’s office confirmed there have been no arrests so far, emphasizing that there is no indication of a "terrorist" motive behind the incident. Belgium's Interior Minister, Bernard Quintin, along with local officials, has been monitoring the developments closely, assuring the public of ongoing efforts to ensure safety.
Local media speculations suggest the gunfire could be connected to drug trafficking activities, as the Brussels-Midi area has historically faced challenges related to violence and crime.
Thousands of commuters were affected during the morning rush hour, raising concerns among residents about safety in their neighborhoods. A local eyewitness shared with VRT broadcaster that they heard multiple shots fired, expressing fear over the incident, stating, "Is this war? We have to send our children to school, we take the metro. We are scared, yes."
Residents who were in the vicinity at the time are encouraged to share their experiences as authorities continue their investigation.
