Brussels’ Public Prosecutor Julien Moinil sharply criticized politicians at a press conference on Tuesday, August 12th, for their lenient approach to gun violence as the city faces a surge in shootings this summer.
Seven incidents occurred in the first week of August alone, bringing the total to 57 so far this year, with two fatalities and eight injured.
The recent shootings have mainly occurred in the Brussels districts of Anderlecht, Sint-Jans-Molenbeek, and Schaerbeek.
Speaking under police protection due to threats from drug dealers, Moinil highlighted the lack of resources and broken surveillance systems, warning that civilians remain at risk.
The prosecutor stressed that much of the violence is linked to drug trafficking and gang disputes over territory.
He recounted a recent shooting in Molenbeek where a bullet pierced a car carrying a mother and her nine-year-old child.
Despite government pledges to adopt a zero-tolerance drug policy and unify Brussels’ six police zones, Moinil sees little support beyond 30 extra officers. He urged authorities to act decisively to prevent further civilian casualties and restore safety across the city.
