Minors Arrested in Belgium Over Alleged Plot for School Chemical Attack

Authorities in Hasselt, Belgium, have thwarted a potential chemical attack on a school, arresting six minors who were allegedly part of a plot discussed in a private TikTok chat group. Police and the public prosecutor's office in Limburg Region Capital acted swiftly after receiving a tip-off.

The group, comprised of anonymous members, reportedly included threats of arson, chemical assaults on school staff, and references to school shootings and extremist ideologies. The intercepted messages indicated that the planned attack could have taken place just days later.

Following the report from school officials, police and prosecutors immediately launched an investigation, utilizing provider assistance to identify the individuals involved. All six suspects, who are students at the targeted school, were identified and apprehended on the same day. They have since been brought before juvenile judges.

"By acting with such speed, we have possibly prevented something worse," stated police and prosecutors. The corps chief of the Limburg Region Capital police emphasized the critical role of the prosecutor's prompt issuance of arrest warrants in enabling the rapid response. Authorities stressed the seriousness of online threats and urged young people to be aware of the groups they join and to report any concerning content to the police.