Antwerp, June 2, 2025 — A 45-year-old man was left in critical condition after being shot in the early hours of Sunday morning in the Deurne district of Antwerp. The incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. inside a café located on Ter Rivierenlaan, according to a statement from the local police.
Emergency services rushed to the scene shortly after reports of gunfire were received. Upon arrival, police officers secured the premises and provided assistance to the victim, who had sustained serious injuries. He was promptly transported to a nearby hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
A 56-year-old man was arrested at the scene in connection with the shooting. Authorities have not yet released his identity or provided information on whether the suspect and the victim knew each other.
The Antwerp public prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. A spokesperson confirmed that the motive for the violence remains unclear and that all avenues are being explored, including the possibility of a personal dispute escalating into violence.
“The forensic laboratory was dispatched to the café to conduct a thorough examination of the scene,” the spokesperson said. “We are currently interviewing witnesses and reviewing any available surveillance footage.”
Local residents were startled by the incident, describing the neighbourhood as typically quiet, even during weekend nightlife. “This is really shocking,” said one neighbour who lives near the café but declined to be named.
“We heard sirens and saw flashing lights, but we never imagined it was a shooting. This area doesn’t usually see this kind of violence.”
The café, which was open at the time of the shooting, has been temporarily closed as part of the investigation. Police have cordoned off the immediate area and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
While shootings in Antwerp are not unheard of, they remain relatively rare in residential areas like Deurne. However, the city has grappled with a rise in violent incidents in recent years, some of which have been linked to drug-related crime. Authorities have not confirmed whether this incident has any such connection.
Mayor Bart De Wever has not yet commented publicly on the shooting, but city officials are expected to release a statement later today.
As of Monday morning, the condition of the victim remains unchanged. Hospital officials have not disclosed further details regarding his injuries.
The suspect is currently being held for questioning and may face formal charges pending the outcome of the investigation. Prosecutors are expected to determine in the coming days whether he will remain in custody or be released under conditions.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have information is urged to contact the Antwerp police tip line.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more details become available.
