A massive police operation is underway in Brussels after two masked gunmen opened fire outside Clemenceau metro station early Wednesday morning.
Authorities have ruled out terrorism as a motive but have yet to determine what led to the shocking attack.
Surveillance footage captured the heavily armed suspects carrying Kalashnikov-style rifles, with at least one of them firing multiple shots before they fled into the city’s metro tunnels.
Gunmen Vanish into Metro Tunnels, Triggering Massive Search
The shooting took place around 6:00 AM, just outside the Clemenceau metro station near the city center.
Although no injuries were reported, the sight of gunmen with automatic weapons has left many residents shaken.
Security footage aired by local broadcaster RTBF shows two masked figures, weapons in hand, firing shots before disappearing into the underground metro system.
In response, authorities immediately shut down Clemenceau and the nearby Midi metro station, halting traffic on two metro lines as they launched a tunnel manhunt.
A large team of heavily armed police officers was later seen gathering at the metro station, ready to sweep the tunnels for the fleeing suspects.
Authorities Suspect Drug-Related Violence
At this stage, prosecutors say there is no evidence of a terrorist motive, but police are investigating possible links to drug-related crime.
Brussels has seen a rise in gun violence in recent years, often linked to gang conflicts.
Reports from local authorities indicate that 89 shooting incidents were recorded in the city last year, resulting in nine deaths.
While the exact motive behind Wednesday’s attack remains unclear, police are focusing on criminal underworld connections.
A Violent Week in Europe as Sweden Reels from Deadly School Shooting
The Brussels metro incident comes just a day after Sweden suffered its worst mass shooting in history.
On Tuesday, a 35-year-old gunman went on a deadly rampage at a school in Örebro’s Västhaga district, killing eleven people before turning the gun on himself.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson described the attack as a horrific act of violence against innocent victims, expressing the nation’s shared grief.
Meanwhile, King Carl Gustaf issued a statement of condolence, offering his support to the families of the victims and praising first responders for their efforts.
Authorities in Sweden are still investigating the motive behind the attack, but initial reports suggest that the shooter was a troubled individual who had distanced himself from family and friends.
What’s Next in the Brussels Investigation?
As Brussels police continue their search for the two suspects, commuters remain on edge. Authorities are urging anyone with information on the attackers’ whereabouts to come forward.
With gun violence on the rise in Europe, will cities like Brussels and Stockholm see tougher security measures? Let us know your thoughts.