Brussels

Two people were killed during a shooting incident in Brussels on Monday (Oct 17) evening and the suspect was on the run, the Belgian capital's prosecutor's office said. The alleged gunman in a fluorescent orange jacket fled the scene after using an automatic rifle, according to a video shared by the Flemish newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws.  

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The deceased individuals have been identified as two Swedish nationals and the incident occurred right before Belgium was set to host Sweden in a Euro 2023 qualifying match on Monday (Oct 17) evening. 

Also read | Belgium-Sweden Euro qualifier suspended after shooting incident in Brussels 

Who is the suspect? 

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A video which surfaced on social media shortly after the incident showed a man in an orange motorbike outfit speaking in Arabic and claiming he carried out the attack in the name of God. 

The man described his allegiance to the Islamic State terrorist group. He said in the video that he was targeting Swedes because of their disrespect for the Quran. 

The suspect can also be heard saying that he was motivated by the killing of a six-year-old Muslim boy in Illinois. The boy was stabbed to death by his landlord, allegedly because of his religion. The 71-year-old Joseph M. Czuba was arrested and charged with murder and hate crimes.

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Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws claimed that the victims were likely two football supporters.  

Swedish supporters react as they wait in the stand during the Euro 2024 qualifying football match between Belgium and Sweden at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels on October 16, 2023, after an 'attack' that targeted Swedish citizens in a street of Brussels | AFP

Swedish supporters react as they wait in the stand during the Euro 2024 qualifying football match between Belgium and Sweden at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels after an 'attack' that targeted Swedish citizens in a street of Brussels | AFP 

Reacting to the shooting incident, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo described it as a "harrowing attack". 

"I have just offered my sincere condolences to the Swedish PM following tonight's harrowing attack on Swedish citizens in Brussels," De Croo said on X, formerly known as Twitter. "Our thoughts are with the families and friends who lost their loved ones. As close partners, the fight against terrorism is a joint one." 

European Union Chief Ursula von der Leyen also slammed the 'despicable' Brussels attack. 

"Tonight, my thoughts are with the families of the two victims of the despicable attack in Brussels. I extend my heartfelt support to the Belgian police, so they swiftly apprehend the suspect. Together, we stand united against terror," Von der Leyen wrote on X. 

French President Emmanuel Macron said: "Europe has been shaken." 

(With inputs from agencies)

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