One Arrested in Ghent Stabbing, Second Suspect at Large

Belgian federal police have arrested one suspect in connection with a stabbing that left a 19-year-old man critically wounded near the Dampoort area in Ghent on July 20, according to VRT NWS. A second suspect remains at large and is actively being sought by authorities.

The arrest, announced on July 27, followed a week-long investigation during which police distributed a public wanted notice with photographs of the two suspects. The suspect was identified and detained by the investigating judge.

The Incident

The attack occurred on the morning of Monday, July 20, shortly before 10 a.m. local time on the Rodetorenkaai, a quay street near the Dampoort and Portus Ganda area in Ghent. Two masked men approached and attacked two individuals with a knife, as VRT NWS reported.

A 19-year-old male suffered critical injuries and was rushed to the hospital in life-threatening condition. He has since recovered and is no longer in danger. A second victim sustained light injuries. The area was cordoned off for several hours as forensic teams, including a diving unit, searched for the weapon in the nearby water. An investigating judge was also appointed to oversee the case.

Initial police statements indicated the stabbing was not linked to the Gentse Feesten (Ghent Festival), the city’s annual 10-day cultural festival that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The attack occurred just outside the official festival zone, though the timing raised public concern about safety during large-scale events.

Wanted Notice and Public Tips

On July 24, police released photographs and detailed descriptions of the two suspects in a public wanted notice distributed through VRT NWS. The first suspect, who was clearly visible on security camera footage, was described as approximately 1.80 meters tall, of African descent, with dark braided hair and short sides. He was wearing a distinctive dark reversible jacket with a silver zipper and brown or orange lining worn inside-out.

Federal Police spokesperson An Berger urged the public to assist: “One of those two suspects is really very clearly visible on camera footage. We ask everyone to look at that photo as much as possible and share it so we can identify that suspect.”

The second suspect was described as approximately 1.80 meters tall, wearing dark trousers, a camouflage-print jacket, a dark cap, and a scarf or neck warmer covering his face. He was not clearly identifiable on camera.

Community Assistance Leads to Arrest

The public responded swiftly. Police received 14 tips following the distribution of the wanted notice, which ultimately led to the identification and arrest of the first suspect, HLN reported. The wanted notice remains active as authorities continue to search for the second suspect.

Investigation Into Possible Connection

Police are also investigating whether the stabbing is connected to a fight that occurred at the intersection of Vrijdagmarkt and Baudelostraat in the early hours of July 19, at approximately 3 a.m. Bystanders filmed the altercation, and investigators are seeking that footage.

“Investigation must determine whether the two incidents, the fight and the stabbing, have anything to do with each other,” Berger stated. The simultaneous investigation of both incidents suggests police are exploring whether there was a broader pattern of violence or a personal dispute between groups.

Broader Implications

The case highlights both the effectiveness and the challenges of community policing in Belgium. The 14 tips received from the public following the wanted notice demonstrate how citizen engagement can directly assist law enforcement in solving serious crimes. Federal police spokesperson An Berger noted that distribution of suspect photographs through media outlets and social platforms played a crucial role in generating leads.

At the same time, the attack has intensified debate about security during the Gentse Feesten, which has experienced sporadic incidents of violence in recent years. The stabbing occurred despite heightened police presence during the festival period, raising questions about whether existing security measures are sufficient for crowds that number in the hundreds of thousands. The involvement of federal police alongside local Ghent authorities underscores the seriousness with which investigators are treating the case.

What to Watch For

With one suspect in custody and detained by the investigating judge, authorities have made significant progress. However, key questions remain unanswered. The investigation into a possible connection between the stabbing and a pre-dawn fight at the Vrijdagmarkt on July 19 could prove pivotal. If a link is established, it would suggest the attack was not random but stemmed from an ongoing dispute.

The second suspect remains at large, and police continue to urge anyone with information to come forward. No motive has been publicly disclosed, and investigators have not revealed whether the victims and suspects knew each other. The outcome of the forensic analysis and further witness testimony will likely shape the next phase of the investigation.