14 arrests and weapons seized following series of shootings in Brussels

The area saw 13 shootings in July and August. Four people were injured and buildings were targeted. Police launched investigations into each shooting to determine whether there were links to the drug scene.

“The public prosecutor’s office called in ballistics experts and the forensic laboratory,” a police spokesperson said. “A multidisciplinary task force was set up within our investigation department and our services arrested several suspects, both in the act and later during the investigation.” 

A total of 14 suspects were arrested and 12 searches carried out. Eight people were detained and one minor was placed in a youth institution. Police seized nine handguns, three machine guns and two hunting rifles.

Investigations are still ongoing and no further details have been made public.

To tackle the rise in gun violence, there is a greater police focus on prevention, with increased visibility at strategic locations and the additional deployment of motorised patrols, alongside the federal police. 

“The necessary capacity has been systematically increased to improve responsiveness,” the local police say. “In addition, we are carrying out proactive patrols, conducting neighbourhood-oriented surveillance and engaging in more intensive information exchange with residents.”

At the request of the police, trees were pruned in various places to increase the visibility of the camera network.

“The months of July and August 2025 were marked by repeated gun violence in Brussels West, especially in Sint-Jans-Molenbeek,” the local police say. “Our zone, the Brussels public prosecutor’s office and other partners are working intensively on judicial and preventive measures, but the structural challenges remain considerable.”