Gunman who shot two Swedish nationals at football game in Brussels is dead, according to authorities

The man who shot two and injured a third at a Brussels football match on Monday has been killed by police, according to authorities.

The two Swedish nationals killed were in Brussels for a Euro 2024 football match between Sweden and Belgium. The attacker, who later identified himself on social media as Abdeselem Al Guilani and claimed to be a member of the 'Islamic State', was the subject of a massive police manhunt. He was then shot in a cafe by police in the Schaerbeek area of the Belgian capital.

Despite some drawing connections between this attack and the events in Gaza, the Belgian public prosecutor maintained this attack was much more likely linked to a recent series of burnings of the Quran in Sweden which have triggered threats from Islamist extremists.

Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo shared a statement on the attack, calling it a "brutal terrorist attack".

"Last night three people left for what was supposed to be a wonderful soccer party," De Croo told a news conference. "Two of them lost their lives in a brutal terrorist attack. The perpetrator targeted specifically Swedish supporters who were in Brussels to attend a Red Devils soccer match. Two Swedish compatriots passed away. A third person is recovering from severe injuries."

The Swedish Prime Minister also shared a statement via Twitter, showing his appreciation for the "international solidarity for Sweden after yesterday's terrorist attack in Brussels.

"While we mourn the victims, my government is working closely with relevant agencies and international partners. Together we stand united against terrorism."

Much appreciate the international solidarity for Sweden after yesterday’s terrorist attack in Brussels. While we mourn the victims, my government is working closely with relevant agencies and international partners. Together we stand united against terrorism.

— SwedishPM (@SwedishPM) October 17, 2023