A 29-year-old man tried to enter the headquarters of the federal government, rue de la Loi, Monday January 6, brandishing a knife. Already involved in a similar incident in 2024, he was brought under control without injuries by the soldiers present. The public prosecutor’s office requested a psychiatric assessment and opened an investigation into attempted murder.
This Monday, January 6, an incident took place at 16 rue de la Loi, while federal negotiations were in progress: a 29-year-old man tried to enter the government headquarters. The next day, we know more about the individual and how the events unfolded.
The attacker approached two soldiers who were guarding the entrance. “As he approached, he made incoherent comments and pulled out a knife“, confirms the Prosecutor’s Office.
“The soldiers intervened quickly. They convinced the suspect to put down the knife and got him to surrender without further resistance. They then managed to subdue him. No one was injured during this incident“, continues spokesperson Yasmina Vanoverschelde, in a press release.
The Brussels-Capital/Ixelles area was in the surrounding area, and deprived the suspect of his freedom. “The man was first taken to hospital for a check-up, then transferred to the police station for questioning. The Brussels public prosecutor’s office was informed and notably requested images from video surveillance cameras“, further specifies the Prosecutor’s Office.
Already involved in an incident
It turns out the man had previously been involved in an incident in April 2024: “He tried to attack a security guard with a knife at the entrance to the US embassy in Brussels“. A story that corroborates with his father’s version, which we revealed to you the day before. “In this case, a judicial investigation had already been opened and the suspect was subject to forced admission to a psychiatric hospital.“, also confirms the Prosecutor’s Office.
The prosecution requested an investigating judge for attempted murder and prohibited possession of weapons
“In relation to the events of January 6 and the previous events of April, the prosecution requested an investigating judge for attempted murder and prohibited possession of weapons. A psychiatric assessment of the suspect was requested in this regard. The suspect’s motive is not yet clear and is part of the ongoing investigation“, concludes Yasmina Vanoverschelde.
According to his father, the man has suffered from schizophrenia for more than 7 years and has gone to the police several times to report seizures.
rue de la Loi attempted intrusion
