Brussels is facing growing concern over gun violence after police recorded 57 shootings in the capital during the first seven months of 2026. The incidents took place across the 19 municipalities of the Brussels Capital Region.
The shootings caused two deaths and left 21 people injured by the end of July. The pace has raised fears that Brussels could pass last year’s record if the current trend continues.
Police recorded 101 shootings across Brussels during the whole of 2025. Those attacks caused eight deaths and 43 injuries. The number of deaths and injuries this year is lower so far. Yet the number of shootings is already high.
If the same rate continues through the rest of 2026, the capital could record more shootings than it did last year. That has increased pressure on local and federal authorities to act.
Drug trafficking is a key concern in many of the cases. Police and prosecutors believe a large share of the shootings may be linked to the drug trade. However, investigations are still under way, and links to drug crime have not been confirmed in every case.
Two fatal shootings have already been reported this year. The first took place in January in Saint Josse ten Noode. A 50 year old man was shot in the back on Rue Gillon. He later died despite efforts to save him.
The second fatal shooting happened in Molenbeek Saint Jean in July. Police found a seriously injured man on Rue du Cheval Noir shortly after midnight. He later died from his injuries. Both cases have reportedly been linked to the drug scene, although the investigations have not yet reached a final finding.
The issue has also moved beyond street crime. Recent incidents have increased concern among police and public officials. A police station in Anderlecht was targeted by gunfire during the weekend, adding to fears about the level of violence facing the capital.
Saint Gilles has also seen several recent shooting incidents. Local officials have called for more federal police support to strengthen investigations and help target criminal groups.
The rise in shootings comes as Brussels continues to deal with organised drug networks. Competition between groups can lead to violence in areas where drugs are sold. Young people can also become involved in these networks.
Brussels Public Prosecutor Julien Moinil has warned that ordinary residents can also become victims of shootings. His warning reflects the wider concern that violence linked to criminal groups can affect people who have no role in the drug trade.
Authorities now face pressure to prevent the situation from getting worse. Police work, criminal investigations and action against drug networks are likely to remain central to the response.
The figures also raise questions about how Brussels can improve public safety across its 19 municipalities. Crime does not stop at local borders, which makes cooperation between local police, federal police and judicial authorities important.
For residents, the latest figures add to concerns about safety in public areas. For authorities, the challenge is to stop the rise before the number of shootings reaches another record.
With 57 shootings already recorded by the end of July, the remaining months of 2026 will be closely watched. The direction of the trend will show whether Brussels can reduce gun violence or faces another record year.
