Brussels has experienced 57 shootings in total this year to date.
In the first eight months of 2025, Brussels has experienced a significant increase in shootings, with 57 reported incidents, including 20 since the start of summer. This surge in crime and drug abuse has prompted calls for urgent action from the Brussels Public Prosecutor, Julien Moinil [1][2][3].
Measures to Address Crime and Drug Abuse
To combat the rise in crime, several measures are being considered or implemented. The public prosecutor's office is working tirelessly to bring perpetrators to justice, with over 6,211 adult suspects and 874 minor suspects charged so far this year [1]. There is a particular focus on drug-related crimes, with 1,250 suspects charged in this category [1].
Moinil has emphasized the need for more resources and personnel to combat organized crime effectively. He has criticized Belgian politicians for not providing sufficient support in this area [2]. Ongoing discussions revolve around the need for drug policy reforms to address the root causes of drug-related violence [1].
Citizens' groups are demanding a stronger police presence in certain neighbourhoods, especially in areas like Molenbeek and Schaerbeek [3][4]. There is a growing sense of insecurity among residents, with nearly one in five feeling unsafe in their neighbourhoods [3].
Challenges
The increase in shootings is driven by ongoing issues such as drug trafficking and radicalization, particularly in certain neighbourhoods [4]. The lack of support for law enforcement and the criminal justice system is seen as a major obstacle in tackling organized crime effectively [2].
Security in prisons needs to be tightened to prevent drug dealers from conducting their illicit business with mobile phones. Moinil has expressed concern that innocent civilians might be killed before necessary resources are obtained [5]. He has also stated that justice cannot fix 10 or 20 years of laxity in a day, implying a desire for proactive measures rather than just complying with the law [6].
Leaders of criminal organisations should not be able to continue directing their networks from behind bars. Foreign nationals without residence permits who are arrested for crimes should be deported immediately [7]. Moinil has called for a comprehensive health policy to address drug abuse in the capital [8].
In conclusion, addressing the increase in shootings in Brussels requires a multifaceted approach that includes bolstering law enforcement, reforming drug policies, and enhancing public safety measures. However, the implementation of these measures faces challenges related to political support and resource allocation.
[1] https://www.brusselsnews.be/en/crime/2025/08/12/brussels-records-57-shootings-in-2025-so-far-with-20-since-the-start-of-summer/ [2] https://www.rtbf.be/info/actu/belgique/article20250812_132406_julien-moinil-appelle-a-un-renforcement-des-ressources-pour-lutter-contre-les-crimines-organises [3] https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2025/08/12/strikte-politie-in-brussel-naar-de-wijk-van-molenbeek/ [4] https://www.brusselsnews.be/en/crime/2025/08/12/brussels-records-57-shootings-in-2025-so-far-with-20-since-the-start-of-summer/ [5] https://www.rtbf.be/info/actu/belgique/article20250812_132406_julien-moinil-appelle-a-un-renforcement-des-ressources-pour-lutter-contre-les-crimines-organises [6] https://www.brusselsnews.be/en/crime/2025/08/12/brussels-records-57-shootings-in-2025-so-far-with-20-since-the-start-of-summer/ [7] https://www.rtbf.be/info/actu/belgique/article20250812_132406_julien-moinil-appelle-a-un-renforcement-des-ressources-pour-lutter-contre-les-crimines-organises [8] https://www.brusselsnews.be/en/crime/2025/08/12/brussels-records-57-shootings-in-2025-so-far-with-20-since-the-start-of-summer/
- The public prosecutor, Julien Moinil, has criticized Belgian politicians for not providing sufficient support in addressing organised crime, particularly in the areas of resources and personnel [2].
- Moinil has called for comprehensive health policy reforms to address drug abuse, as well as proposed immediate deportation of foreign nationals arrested for crimes without residence permits [7, 8].
