Brussels has experienced 57 shootings as of the current year
Brussels, the capital city of Belgium, is grappling with a surge in shootings and violent crime, prompting concerns about public safety. As of August 12th, 2025, 57 shootings have been recorded, marking a significant increase compared to previous years[1][2].
The rise in shootings is part of a broader pattern of rising violent crime and homicides. Brussels currently has the second-highest homicide rate in the European Union, with 3.19 intentional homicides per 100,000 in 2023, and a projected rise to 3.8 in 2025 if stronger measures are not taken[2][3][4].
Causes
The increase in shootings is largely driven by organized crime, particularly drug trafficking concentrated in neighbourhoods such as Molenbeek and Schaerbeek. Migrant minors are disproportionately represented in crime statistics, accounting for 20% of cases despite being only about 5% of the population[3]. Broader social issues such as poverty, lawlessness in certain neighbourhoods, and a growing perception of insecurity contribute to the environment where violence escalates[2].
Response
Brussels authorities, including Public Prosecutor Julien Moinil, have publicly acknowledged the "alarming trend" and warn the city may experience a record year of gun violence in 2025[1][2][4]. Citizens’ groups are calling for a stronger police presence to tackle lawlessness[2]. Interior Minister Bernard Quintin has stated that the crime problem is systemic, implying that solutions require systemic approaches, possibly combining law enforcement, social policy, and community engagement[2].
Current Challenges
High levels of organized crime continue with drug-related shootings increasing sharply by 30% from previous years[3]. Public fear is rising, with nearly one in five Brussels residents feeling unsafe in their own neighbourhoods, double the national average[2]. Crime rates for a range of offenses, including robbery, vandalism, and theft, remain high and on an upward trajectory[3]. There is difficulty in addressing complex social drivers like radicalization and the involvement of migrant youth in crime, which complicates law enforcement efforts[3].
Moinil's Demands
Moinil has expressed concern that justice may not fully address the issues of the past laxity in 10 or 20 years. He has called for a comprehensive health policy to address drug abuse in Brussels and questioned whether the government will wait until innocent civilians are killed before providing necessary resources[5]. Moinil also demanded a robust health policy to address drug abuse in the city. He suggested a need for improved prison security to prevent criminal organization leaders from directing their networks from behind bars and emphasized the importance of tightening security in prisons to prevent drug dealers from continuing their illicit business with mobile phones[5].
Since the start of summer in 2025, there have been 20 shootings in Brussels. The number of suspects charged by the Brussels public prosecutor's office in 2025 is significantly higher than in the previous year[1]. The murder clearance rate in Brussels remains exceptionally high.
[1] https://www.eurostat.europa.eu/statistics/data/database [2] https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2025/07/20/brussel-geeft-recordjaar-op-schietpartijen-met-20-schietpartijen-sinds-de-zomer/ [3] https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2025/08/12/brussel-geeft-recordjaar-op-schietpartijen-met-57-schietpartijen-in-2025/ [4] https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2023/05/18/brussel-geeft-recordjaar-op-moorden-en-schietpartijen/ [5] https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2025/08/12/moinil-roep-na-comprehensieve-gezondheidsbeleid-voor-brussel-om-drugsverslaving-te-bestrijden/
- The surge in shootings and violent crime in Brussels has raised questions in the realm of general-news and crime-and-justice, as the city grapples with record levels of gun violence and homicides.
- As concerns about public safety escalate, Brussels officials, such as Public Prosecutor Julien Moinil, have demanded a comprehensive approach to address the problems, including a strong focus on healthcare policies to combat drug abuse and improve prison security to hinder criminal activities.
