Two men arrested in Antwerp on suspicion of plotting attacks against political figures were both enrolled in security-related studies, according to education authorities and investigators. Prime Minister Bart De Wever was viewed by security services as the most likely target, with other politicians also mentioned during the inquiry.
E.J., 18, is a final-year pupil at Sint-Norbertus on the Amerikalei in Antwerp, following the “Defence and Security” track designed to prepare students for careers in justice, the police, defence or the fire service. The school said the pupil had not displayed problem behaviour and confirmed it had provided information to the police after a visit from an officer on Thursday. There were no locker searches or classroom inspections.
“This is a matter that unfolded in the private sphere; our school is not involved in the investigation,” the head teacher, Candide Behets, said. “An inspector requested information about the pupil and we provided it. We have not received further requests.” The school sent a communication to parents and pupils on Friday morning, stating that it is cooperating with the examining magistrate and police and that information about the case is largely arriving via the press.
During searches at the pupil’s residence in the Sint-Rochusstraat, investigators found a non-operational improvised device and related items. E.J. told police the device reflected an interest linked to his study direction. The school stressed that explosives are only minimally covered in the curriculum and said the material taught would not enable pupils to manufacture devices.
A second suspect, A.B., 23, is a student of Cybersecurity at AP University of Applied Sciences in Antwerp. The institution said it could not comment on an ongoing investigation.
Federal prosecutors have opened an inquiry into attempted terrorist murder and possible participation in a terrorist group. Three individuals were detained in initial operations; two remain under investigation and one was released after questioning. Evidence was recovered in the vicinity of Mr De Wever’s residence, and investigators are examining whether components could be adapted for use with a drone. No operational timeline has been disclosed.
The federal prosecutor’s office said “politicians” were discussed as possible targets but did not name individuals. Police notified Antwerp’s mayor, Els Van Doesburg (N-VA), that she had been referenced in suspects’ conversations as “the mayor of Antwerp”. On the basis of contextual references, security services concluded the suspects were most likely referring to Mr De Wever, who became prime minister in July, rather than to his successor at city hall.
Dutch politician Geert Wilders (PVV) was also briefly mentioned as a potential target in reporting on the case. Mr Wilders cancelled an appearance on Dutch radio on Friday pending clarity on the threat. According to sources cited by Belgian media, there were no indications the suspects planned to travel to the Netherlands, nor had they conducted preparatory searches suggesting such a move.
Security assessments currently consider the scenario involving Mr De Wever as the most credible. Both suspects live in Antwerp, near the prime minister’s residence. Investigators have not alleged that the suspects had obtained operational explosives, and the device recovered was described as non-functional.
Schools and higher-education institutions named in the case said they are assisting law enforcement. Sint-Norbertus emphasised that the subject of explosives is touched upon only in limited theoretical terms within its “Defence and Security” stream and that publicly available online material far exceeds classroom coverage. AP University of Applied Sciences stated that it would make no further comment while judicial steps are under way.
Belgium’s threat level remains at three on a four-point scale, indicating a serious risk. Authorities have noted a rise in cases involving self-assembled devices and the potential misuse of commercially available drones. The federal prosecutor has not released full identities; the suspects have been identified in local reporting by initials.
The current inquiry follows previous cases in which threats were made against Mr De Wever during his tenure as mayor of Antwerp. In April 2025, the Antwerp Court of Appeal imposed prison terms of up to six years on members of a group that plotted attacks in 2023, including against Mr De Wever and a police station.
As of Friday, 10 October 2025, the investigation remains in the hands of the examining magistrate. Further procedural decisions will depend on the analysis of seized materials and digital communications. Education authorities in Antwerp say they will continue to respond to lawful requests for information.
Belgian police arrest 3 over suspected plot to assassinate Prime Minister Bart De Wever
