By Samuel Petrequin and Raf Casert | Related Press
BRUSSELS (AP) — A lone assailant killed one police officer and wounded one other Thursday in a stabbing assault that two Belgian judicial officers stated was suspected to be terrorism-linked. The suspect was shot and brought to a hospital.
Eric Van der Sypt, from the federal prosecutor’s workplace, informed The Related Press the suspect was wounded by one other law enforcement officials after the stabbing.
Van der Sypt added that investigators suspected the assault befell in a “terrorist context.” The prosecutor’s workplace informed AP it took over the case as a result of there may be “a suspicion of a terror assault.”
“One in all our patrols was attacked by a person armed with a knife,” police stated, quoted by the newspaper Le Soir. “The 2 law enforcement officials then known as for reinforcements. An officer from one other patrol used his firearm to neutralize the attacker.”
“The 2 injured detectives and the assailant had been taken to hospital,” police added.
Le Soir stated one of many officers was stabbed within the neck and died from his accidents.
The newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws reported the suspect had gone to a police station Thursday morning warning that he would kill an officer. The ACV police commerce union stated in a Fb put up that it had data an individual had gone to police earlier within the day threatening an assault. It added that the judicial authorities didn't arrest him.
In line with Belgian media, the attacker shouted “Allahu akbar,” the Arabic phrase for “God is nice,” through the assault, which occurred round 7:15 p.m.
Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo posted a message of condolences to the household and mates of the lifeless officer.
“Our law enforcement officials threat their lives each day to make sure the security of our residents,” he stated. “At present’s tragedy demonstrates this as soon as once more.”
Inside Minister Annelies Verlinden stated she was involved with the Brussels mayor, police chief and safety providers to coordinate the response to the assault. “Such violence in opposition to our folks is unacceptable,” she stated.
Belgium has been hit by a number of terror assaults up to now decade, together with suicide bombings in 2016 that killed 32 folks and injured tons of extra within the Brussels subway and airport.