Title: Two Swedish Nationals Shot Dead in Brussels
Date: October 16, 2023
Source: Reuters/Johanna Geron
Brussels, Belgium – Tragedy struck the Belgian capital today as two Swedish nationals were shot dead in Brussels, according to Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws. The incident took place near the city center on Monday.
Although the identities of the victims have not been revealed, Het Laatste Nieuws speculates that they may have been soccer supporters. Belgium and Sweden were scheduled to face each other in a qualifying match for Euro 2024 later in the evening.
Confirming the shooting incident, a police spokesperson stated that two individuals had lost their lives. However, no further details were provided regarding the circumstances surrounding the tragedy or the victims’ identities.
Similarly, the Brussels prosecutors’ office, which is handling the case, declined to disclose any information regarding the victims or possible motives.
Video footage posted on Het Laatste Nieuws’ website captures the chilling sequence of events. The video shows a man wearing an orange jacket riding a scooter at a street intersection. He can be seen wielding a rifle and firing two shots, followed by three more, before entering a building. Moments later, he emerges, firing two additional shots, then retreats a few steps back and fires once more.
According to one Belgian newspaper, a witness reported that the shooter shouted “Allahu Akbar” before opening fire. However, this information has not been officially confirmed.
(This story has been corrected to clarify that the police confirmed two deaths in the shooting, paragraph 3)
At present, authorities are diligently investigating the incident to determine the motive behind this senseless act of violence. The nation remains in shock as they mourn the loss of two innocent lives.
Reporting from Brussels, Philip Blenkinsop
Edited by Hugh Lawson and Matthew Lewis
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Disclaimer: This news article is sourced from Reuters and adheres to the Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.