Mayor Close Calls Police Killing a National Emergency Amid Rising Gun Violence

In Jette, police officer Nordine El Talbi, who had served for 18 years across Brussels-Capital and Ixelles, was killed in a nighttime shooting. The officer had previously worked in the Marolles and Anneessens districts before joining the anti-aggression brigade, a specialized unit for dangerous operations. Mayor Philippe Close, who also chairs the police college for the region, expressed deep emotion and highlighted that the victim was an experienced officer, not a rookie.

He described the incident as evidence of a growing national crisis, noting that firearms are now found far more frequently during police searches and that street shootings are on the rise. While the investigation into the exact motives and perpetrators continues, Close called on Belgium to confront the escalating violence as a matter of urgent national importance.