Man who attacked office of Belgian Prime Minister De Croo with a knife suspected of attempted murder

brussels - A 29-year-old man who attacked with a knife at the office in the Wetstraat in Brussels where the Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo resides, has been detained by the military police and is suspected of attempted murder and weapon possession, according to the Brussels Public Prosecutor.

The man in his twenties approached two military personnel at the entrance of Wetstraat 16, the residence of Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, on Monday morning at around 10:00 am. During his approach, he made incoherent remarks and drew a knife, as reported by the Prosecutor's Office. The military acted swiftly, convincing the suspect to drop the knife and surrender without further resistance. He was then subdued without anyone being injured.

A nearby police patrol apprehended the suspect. The man was taken to the hospital for examination and then transferred to the police station for questioning. The Brussels Prosecutor's Office was informed and obtained CCTV footage among other evidence.

The suspect was previously involved in an incident in April 2024, where he attempted to attack a security agent with a knife at the entrance of the US Embassy in Brussels. An investigation was opened in that case, and the suspect was subjected to psychiatric evaluation and forced hospitalization.

In connection with the events of January 6 and the previous incident in April, the prosecutor requested a judicial commissioner for attempted murder and illegal weapon possession. A psychiatric evaluation of the suspect has been requested with the motive remaining unclear and under investigation.