The Brussels prosecutor’s office later said that officers had arrested a man in connection with the case and were verifying his identity.
The police operation comes a week after one man, an Islamist gunman, shot dead two Swedes and wounded a third. Officials said the Tunisian suspect was killed during a police operation.
The search for the man who sent the threatening messages began on the eve of a two-day EU summit. It is not specified what exactly the man threatened.
The leaders of the bloc’s 27 countries will participate in the EU summit starting on Thursday. Among other topics, the meeting will also discuss the war between Israel and Hamas.
The attack caused a political shock in Belgium after it emerged that the shooter was under-reported due to negligence by numerous officials, despite Tunisia actively seeking his extradition.
The incident led to the resignation of the justice minister last weekend.
After the attack, Belgium raised its terrorism threat level to the second highest level, which considers the threat to be serious.
Federal prosecutors also said Wednesday they had arrested a suspect in possession of the semi-automatic rifle used to kill two Swedes. He will be questioned later on Wednesday and only then will a decision on his arrest be made.
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Interview with Brussels Journalist, Marie Dupont
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Marie. Can you provide us with the latest updates on the unfolding situation in Brussels?
Marie Dupont: Absolutely. Earlier today, the Brussels prosecutor’s office confirmed that they have arrested a man in connection with a recent police operation. This comes in the wake of a tragic incident last week in which an Islamist gunman shot and killed two Swedes while injuring a third person.
Editor: That’s concerning news. Do we have any information on the identity of the arrested individual?
Marie Dupont: Not at this moment. The authorities are still in the process of verifying his identity and determining the extent of his involvement in the earlier shooting incident. This operation seems to be part of a larger effort to address concerns about security and potential threats in the area.
Editor: What measures are officials taking to ensure public safety following these events?
Marie Dupont: Officials are ramping up security measures, particularly in areas frequented by tourists and expatriates. They are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The police presence has increased visibly, and there is a concerted effort to reassure the community.
Editor: Have officials made any public statements regarding potential motives behind these incidents?
Marie Dupont: So far, officials have not disclosed any concrete motives, but they are investigating the broader context involving radicalization and security threats linked to terrorist activities. They are also looking at the suspect’s background to uncover any prior connections to extremist groups.
Editor: Thank you, Marie, for your insights. It’s a troubling situation, and we’ll be sure to follow up as more details emerge.
Marie Dupont: Thank you for having me. I’m hopeful for a swift resolution and increased safety for everyone in Brussels.
Ing news. Can you elaborate on the police operations that took place following the shooting incident?
Marie Dupont: Certainly. The police operations have been extensive. Notably, federal prosecutors arrested a suspect who was in possession of the semi-automatic rifle used in the attack. Authorities are currently questioning him, and a decision on his arrest will be made later today. Additionally, there’s been a manhunt for the individual behind threatening messages that emerged just before an important EU summit. The nature of those threats hasn’t been disclosed, but they have heightened security concerns leading up to the summit.
Editor: This incident has also caused significant political repercussions, hasn’t it?
Marie Dupont: Yes, it has. The shooting incident created a political shockwave in Belgium, especially as it was revealed that the shooter was underreported by numerous officials, despite Tunisia’s active efforts to seek his extradition. This negligence has already resulted in the resignation of the justice minister over the weekend. The fallout is ongoing, and there are calls for accountability.
Editor: With the EU summit approaching, what measures are being taken to secure the event?
Marie Dupont: In light of the recent events, Belgium has raised its terrorism threat level to the second highest, categorizing the threat as serious. Security measures are expected to be heightened during the summit as leaders from the 27 EU countries convene to discuss various topics, including the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The focus will be not only on the political discussions but also on ensuring the safety of all participants.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Marie. It’s a troubling time, and we appreciate your updates on this critical situation in Brussels.
Marie Dupont: Thank you for having me. Let’s hope for a resolution and improved security soon.