In brief
A recent night in Brussels saw a drug gang attack the local pizzeria Salvatore’s, leaving a trail of bullet impacts across the street. Local residents, including 70‑year‑old Murielle, report a rise in drug dealings and violence, with incidents occurring multiple times within days. Police chief Jurgen de Landsheer admits the situation mirrors violent hotspots across Europe and stresses prevention rather than repression. The government is deploying extra officers and community programs, but the threat remains that young gang members continue to use heavy weapons.
Last Monday night, drug gang members turned the renowned Salvatore’s pizzeria in Brussels into a crime scene, shooting fireworks of bullets across the street while patrons sought refuge indoors. The incident, seen through police cameras, left a stark trail of impact marks on a tile floor and threatened the safety of a central neighbourhood near the international Midi train station.
Violence in a City Square
Salvatore, the owner, described the harrowing scene: "We dropped to the floor. I had clients eating on the terrace with children. Look, we can see the bullet impacts everywhere." He added, "Are we in an American gangster movie? This needs to stop." The area has already suffered over 100 related shootings in 2025 and 65 in 2026 alone.
Community Voices Amid the Gunfire
Murielle, a 70‑year‑old resident, shares her personal distress: "We can still see the trace of the pool of blood. I like it here, it feels like a little village inside the city." She recalls that, previously, drug dealers seemed polite, but now the street is filled with open‑air transactions and intense gang battles.
Escalating Conflict
Police chief Jurgen de Landsheer reports, "We are seeing a surge of drug‑related shooting, matched with the tactics of gangs in Marseille. It is a stark reminder that the city must act to keep from repeating that path." In recent weeks, a police station was targeted with an AK‑47‑style weapon, marking a significant escalation in the conflict.
Policy and Prevention
Belgium’s interior minister announced an additional 40 police officers will be deployed in the problem area, an effort supported by the city’s push for prevention over repression. “We need to be present in the street, but society must also give the young people a future, do something with them,” Landsheer stressed. The community remains vigilant, determined not to let intimidation dictate daily life.
While the city grapples with rising violence, the root lies in a booming drug economy, with points across Brussels reportedly generating up to €50,000 per day for dealers. The spread of cocaine in Europe, coupled with freight hubs like the Antwerp port, fuels the crisis, underscoring that Brussels is only one node in a larger network of urban drug crime.
