A man armed with a knife attacks two police officers in Brussels, the older one dies of his injuries in hospital. The suspect is said to have shouted "Allahu Akbar" during his attack. According to prosecutors, he is not unknown to the Belgian anti-terrorist agency.
The deadly attack on a police officer in Brussels was carried out by a terrorist suspect. The man was on a terror list from the Belgian authorities, as the public prosecutor announced at a press conference in Brussels. The 23-year-old stabbed two police officers in a patrol car on Thursday evening. A 29-year-old police officer later died of his injuries in hospital. His 23-year-old colleague was first taken to the emergency room and operated on overnight. A spokesman said his condition is stable at this time.
According to the Belga news agency, a police officer who came to the rescue used his service weapon against the attacker. He was hit by several shots. According to the public prosecutor, the 23-year-old had previously reported to the police and complained about his mental state. He was then committed to a psychiatric ward. When an officer wanted to inquire about his condition shortly thereafter, the person he was looking for was no longer there.
Several media reported that the attacker shouted "Allahu Akbar" (God is great). Jihadists and Salafists often use the Arabic expression "Allahu Akbar" as a kind of battle cry. In fact, it is a central religious formula of Islam that has been used by Muslims worldwide for centuries.
According to the public prosecutor's office, the man was on a list from the Belgian anti-terrorist agency Ocam. The public prosecutor's office has started investigations into murder and attempted murder with a terrorist background. As soon as the suspect's condition improves, he is to be brought before a magistrate.
