Mass Stabbing in Europe Injures Six
In a disturbing incident in Antwerp, a mass stabbing has left six people injured, with two victims in critical condition. The attack occurred during a Kurdish protest at Operaplein on Thursday evening. Approximately 300 demonstrators, many of whom were families with young children, gathered to voice their concerns about violence against Kurds in Syria.
Details of the Mass Stabbing Incident
The violence erupted around 7:20 PM as the peaceful demonstration neared its conclusion. Witnesses reported a chaotic scene as suspects, who had mingled with the crowd, suddenly brandished knives and began stabbing individuals seated on the steps of the Opera House.
One witness described the situation as pure chaos, with people running in all directions. Others reported seeing victims on the ground receiving emergency assistance from paramedics.
Emergency Response and Arrests
Police officers were already at the site for crowd control. They quickly intervened to administer first aid before ambulances arrived. Four individuals were found injured at the scene, with two additional victims discovered nearby on Rooseveltplaats and Sint-Elisabethstraat.
- Total Injured: 6
- Victims in Critical Condition: 2
- Suspects Arrested: 4
- Location: Operaplein, Antwerp
Emergency services responded swiftly, transporting the injured to local hospitals. Wouter Bruyns, a police spokesperson, confirmed that all injured parties had suffered stab wounds. The police have launched a thorough investigation and have urged the public to avoid the area as forensic examinations take place.
Reactions from the Kurdish Community
The Belgian-Kurdish community organization Navbel condemned the attack, describing it as an act of terror against Kurds. They emphasized the need for the Belgian authorities to acknowledge the attack’s implications, equating it to similar acts targeting civilians.
In light of this tragic event, a planned demonstration for January 23 in Antwerp has been canceled as a mark of respect for the victims.
As investigations continue, local authorities are calling for heightened awareness regarding the violence faced by the Kurdish community in Belgium.
