A lone attacker who killed one officer and damage one other in a stabbing went to a police station simply hours earlier and expressed hatred for them, Belgian authorities stated.
The suspect made “unhinged remarks” throughout a chat with officers, Brussels prosecutor Sarah Durant stated.
Because he voluntarily requested for psychological assist, he was not arrested and as a substitute despatched to a hospital – which he left quickly after.
Immediately after the assault – which is being investigated as probably terror-related – the suspect was shot by one other police officer.
He is presently being handled in hospital.
Authorities got here beneath quick criticism for not arresting the suspect when he made his preliminary threats to the police early on Thursday.
However, Ms Durant stated procedures stipulate that he needed to be taken by police to a hospital since he had requested for psychological assist himself.
“Police remained there until hospital staff took over,” she stated.
Just a few hours later, when police checked on his whereabouts, “it appears that the person had left the hospital”.
Eric Van der Sypt of the federal prosecutor’s workplace stated investigators are wanting into whether or not the assault in Brussels occurred in a “terrorist context”.
According to Belgian media, the suspect shouted “Allahu Akbar”, the Arabic phrase for “God is great”, throughout the assault, which occurred at about 7.15pm on Thursday.
Belgian authorities stored the general terrorist risk stage at two out of a doable 4, which means the danger of an assault remains to be “medium”.
Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo posted a message of condolence to the household and mates of the useless officer.
“Our police officers risk their lives every day to ensure the safety of our citizens,” he stated.
“Today’s tragedy demonstrates this once again.”
Interior minister Annelies Verlinden stated she was in touch with the Brussels mayor, police chief and safety providers to co-ordinate a response to the assault.
“Such violence against our people is unacceptable,” she stated.
Source: information.sky.com”