Man arrested with knife in front prime of minister’s residence had mental health history

The man in possession of a knife arrested by police in front of the prime minister’s residence in Brussels had been suffering from mental health issues for some years, reports RTBF.

An investigation is currently underway into the incident that occurred at 16 Rue de la Loi on Monday morning.  

Meanwhile, the suspect's mother contacted the RTBF editorial team and explained that her 28-year-old son has been suffering from serious psychiatric disorders for several years. She said he is suffering from paranoia and believes he is the victim of a conspiracy, which is what he shouted at the time of his arrest.

According to RTBF, the Justice of the Peace ordered compulsory psychiatric treatment on three occasions, but the measures were time-limited.

The mother explained that although he takes medication, it has never managed to calm his symptoms. The family said they were powerless to help him.

A similar incidence occurred last April, when he threatened a man with a knife in front of the US embassy. The suspect was also arrested on this occasion.

Photo: ©Police Brussels Capital-Ixelles