Anderlecht police station targeted by heavy gunfire; officials vow to fight organized crime

A police station in Anderlecht, Brussels, was targeted by heavy weapons fire on Friday, though no one was injured as the building was empty at the time. The incident has sparked strong reactions from local and regional officials, who are vowing to combat organized crime.

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My thoughts go out to the police forces who are once again directly targeted and subjected to intolerable pressure. Our priority remains clear: protect those who protect us.

Mayor Fabrice Cumps of Anderlecht stated he is in close contact with police leadership to bolster officer protection measures. "My thoughts go out to the police forces who are once again directly targeted and subjected to intolerable pressure," he said. "Our priority remains clear: protect those who protect us."

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We will not let organized crime take over our city.

Brussels Minister-President Boris Dilliès viewed the shooting as a "new warning for Brussels." He asserted, "We will not let organized crime take over our city." Dilliès mentioned upcoming strategies, including the appointment of a Brussels drug commissioner and a regional investment of 68 million euros in security and prevention.

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I am deeply shocked and firmly condemn this unacceptable attack.

Minister of Security and Interior Bernard Quintin expressed deep shock, condemning the "unacceptable attack" and assuring continuous communication between police and political levels since the event. The head of the MR group in Anderlecht's communal council, Gaëtan Van Goidsenhoven, suggested the shooting signals the "underworld's intent to control the territory."

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the underworld sends a signal and affirms its desire to control the territory.