Brussels, February 7, 2025 – A fatal shooting occurred in the Peterbos district of Anderlecht early Friday morning, claiming the life of an unidentified man.
The incident, which took place around 4 a.m. near block 14 of the large council estate, was confirmed by Anderlecht Mayor Fabrice Cumps (PS) and the Midi police zone.
“Shots were fired again last night in the commune, this time in the Peterbos district around 4 a.m.,” said police spokesperson Sarah Frederickx.
“One person, an unidentified man, has died. An investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances. The investigating judge and the scientific laboratory have visited the scene.”
Escalating Violence in Brussels
This latest shooting marks the fourth violent gun-related incident in Brussels within three days, fueling concerns over rising crime linked to drug gang rivalries.
The attacks include two other shootings in Anderlecht and one in Saint-Josse-Ten-Noode. On Thursday, a man was shot in the leg in the Clémenceau area of Anderlecht, underscoring the severity of the ongoing violence.
In response, authorities are intensifying efforts to curb the bloodshed. Speaking to Belga, Mayor Cumps reiterated his call for increased federal resources for the Brussels Federal Judicial Police, stressing the urgent need to dismantle the criminal networks responsible for such violence.
“A police patrol was present at the time of the incident, but it is merely a temporary solution,” he said.
Government Response: ‘The Street Belongs to Residents, Not Traffickers’
Belgium’s Federal Interior Minister Bernard Quintin (MR) and Justice Minister Annelies Verlinden (CD&V) have pledged immediate measures to strengthen law enforcement in Brussels.
Speaking at a conference alongside National Drugs Commissioner Ine Van Wymersch and Brussels Public Prosecutor Julien Moinil, the ministers outlined a multi-pronged approach to tackling drug-related violence.
“A stronger police presence, more resources for the Federal Police, and a direct targeting of the drug chain from production to consumption are necessary,” said Quintin. “The street belongs to the residents, not to the traffickers.”
Authorities are also set to reinforce international cooperation to curb the illegal arms trade. “It has become too easy to find weapons in Belgium,” Verlinden warned. “It is important to send out a signal: we’re not leaving the streets to criminals who create a feeling of insecurity.”
Increased Police Patrols in High-Risk Areas
To address growing safety concerns, the Brussels-Capital-Ixelles police zone will begin patrolling Anderlecht and the southern areas of Brussels to assist the municipalities in the Midi police zone (Anderlecht, Saint-Gilles, and Forest).
Earlier this week, City of Brussels Mayor Philippe Close (PS) emphasized the importance of a unified command structure to combat the escalating drug-related violence.
With tensions running high, local authorities and law enforcement remain under pressure to take decisive action against organized crime, ensuring that Brussels’ streets remain safe for its residents.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
