Grief and shock in Belgium after three people were shot dead at Jewish Museum

video transcript

Grief and shock in Belgium’s Jewish community after three people were shot dead at the Jewish Museum in central Brussels.

Simone Susskind, a former Jewish community leader is a member of the Socialist Party,

(SOUNDBITE) (English) BELGIAN POLITICIAN AND MEMBER OF BRUSSELS’S JEWISH COMMUNITY, SIMONE SUSSKIND, SAYING:

“Such an act is so incredible here in Belgium so we are not used to this. We had very few, for instance, anti-Jewish terrorist attempts so if it’s the case, so it’s a very bad signal for the future.”

Two men and one woman were killed.

Belgium’s Prime Minister Elio di Rupo offers condolences.

(SOUNDBITE) (French) BELGIUM PRIME MINISTER, ELIO DI RUPO, SAYING:

“The Belgian government is profoundly shocked by this tragedy. We condemn with force these extremely serious acts of violence. Our thoughts, our emotions are with the victims and their family and friends. We know that three people have been killed and one person is fighting for their life in hospital.”

The shooter reportedly drove up to the museum, went inside and fired shots. A spokesperson from the prosecutors office says one person who left the scene in a car is being questioned.

(SOUNDBITE) (French) INE VAN WYMERSCH, SPOKESWOMAN FOR BRUSSELS PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE, SAYING:

“There is one person who left the scene in their vehicle. This person we have identified and intercepted and this person has been questioned.”

On Sunday, Belgium holds a general election, with a separatist Flemish center-right party expected to win.

May 24 – After the shooting, one member of Belgium’s Jewish community says ”We are not used to this.” Vanessa Johnston reports. ( Transcript )

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Grief and shock in Belgium after three people were shot dead at Jewish Museum