Six individuals sustained injuries, with two in critical condition, after a knife assault occurred at a popular tourist destination. The incident took place in Antwerp, Belgium, during a pro-Kurdish rally near Operaplein square. Law enforcement swiftly apprehended two suspects following the attack. A spokesperson confirmed that four of the injured victims suffered stab wounds, with two currently in critical condition. Medical teams promptly administered first aid at the scene. The injured parties were located at various spots, with four on Operaplein, and the fifth and sixth victims in the vicinity of Rooseveltplaats and Sint-Elisabethstraat, according to local sources.
Footage captured at the scene depicts police subduing a suspect before making an arrest. Approximately 50 protesters were participating in the demonstration, with a police presence already in place. Eyewitnesses noted that the protest had been peaceful until the sudden outbreak of chaos. Reports indicate that a group of individuals brandished knives and attacked people near a building’s steps.
The violence erupted as the rally was concluding around 7:30 pm. Videos recorded from nearby buildings show emergency responders rushing to the scene as distressed locals react. Wouter Bruyns, the spokesperson for the Antwerp Police Zone, stated that law enforcement successfully apprehended the two suspects who had blended in with the demonstrators. Flags representing Kurdish and PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party) were visible during the rally.
An official police inquiry is underway, with forensic teams present at the square. Authorities have advised the public to vacate the area and avoid remaining at Operaplein.