Six individuals sustained injuries, with two in critical condition, following a violent knife attack at a popular tourist destination. The incident occurred during a pro-Kurdish demonstration near Operaplein square in Antwerp, Belgium. Police swiftly apprehended two suspects after the attack. According to a spokesperson, four individuals were stabbed at Operaplein, with all victims receiving stab wounds. Emergency medical services arrived promptly, and two suspects were taken into custody.
Reports indicate that four of the injured parties were found at Operaplein, while the fifth and sixth victims were located near Rooseveltplaats and Sint-Elisabethstraat. Photos from the scene depict law enforcement officers subduing a suspect before making an arrest. Approximately 50 protesters were present at the rally, which had been peaceful until the sudden outbreak of violence.
Witnesses described the chaotic scene, with people fleeing in all directions as a group brandished knives and attacked individuals seated on the building’s steps. The incident transpired as the demonstration was concluding around 7:30 pm. Videos captured the frantic response of emergency services and the distress of onlookers. Wouter Bruyns, spokesperson for the Antwerp Police Zone, confirmed the swift apprehension of the suspects who had infiltrated the demonstration.
A police investigation is underway, with forensic teams deployed to the square. Authorities have advised the public to vacate the area and avoid lingering at Operaplein. The presence of Kurdish and PKK flags at the demonstration has raised additional concerns in the ongoing probe.