Sophie De Wit: “Knife violence in Brussels is on the rise”

Figures obtained by MP Sophie De Wit reveal that the number of stabbing incidents in Brussels rose from 122 in 2019 to 185 in 2023—a surge of over 50 percent. The capital thus remains the undisputed leader in knife-related violence. “The normalization of carrying knives is a dangerous trend we urgently need to reverse,” says Sophie De Wit.

In contrast, most other cities saw a decline in knife attacks between 2022 and 2023. Nationwide, the number dropped from 830 to 707 incidents. “I’m calling for a comprehensive approach to tackle knife violence in our cities. In Brussels especially, it’s high time we adopt a zero-tolerance policy on knife possession, with targeted checks in high-risk areas and heavy fines,” De Wit adds.

A firm response is needed

The data also show that in roughly twelve percent of cases, the suspect is a minor. Another striking and concerning trend is the proportion of non-Belgian suspects involved in knife violence. In 2022, 195 of the 534 cases involved non-Belgian suspects—nearly 37 percent. In 2023, that figure rose to 149 out of 373 suspects, or 40 percent.

“These figures make it clear that we cannot ignore the role of migration and integration in this issue. We must send a clear message to newcomers: carrying or using knives on the street is completely unacceptable,” says De Wit. “Non-Belgian perpetrators of serious stabbing incidents should lose their right to stay and serve their sentence in their country of origin,” she concludes.