Fear is starting to grip Europe all over again because of terrorism threats following yesterday's London attack.
Another man tried to drive into a crowd in Belgium but the authorities were quick to act and respond before the suspect could do further harm to random people.
A man tried to drive at high speed through a busy shopping street in Antwerp, forcing pedestrians to jump out of the way. The car was stopped at the port docks. Its driver identified as a Frenchman living in France was swiftly arrested.
More troublesome, though, are the things found in the Frenchman's car. Authorities found a shotgun, several bladed weapons, and a gas can with an unknown liquid. Bomb squad was called and the authorities quickly raised security in the center of the town, especially in crowded places.
There were no reported injuries for the incident. But because of the dangerous items found in the man's car and the heightened insecurity brought by the horrific London attack yesterday, the Frenchman's case was turned over to the federal prosecutor's office. The federal prosecutor's office usually deals with extremist attacks.
The suspect is being detained. Further investigation of the incident is ongoing. Prime Minister Charles Michel said that they remain vigilant. He also praised the excellent work of their security services.The incident happened on the day after the country held remembrance services for the Brussels attacks last year which killed 32 people.
With what happened to London yesterday, and with the threat of terrorism remaining strong in the rest of Europe, fear lives in the hearts of Europeans. Europe finds itself at war with ISIS fighters.
European leaders, though, including Prime Minister Theresa May and London Mayor Sadiq Khan have called on Londoners and people living or visiting London not to give in to fear being created by terrorists. Far-right French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen reminded everyone, on the other hand, that horrific incidents like the London attack highlight the need to protect national borders and tighten security measures.
Le Pen has previously been controversial for her strong anti-immigrant policies, and some point to her similarities with President Trump in their strong stance against terrorism, and in their passions to protect their own people first from the threats of terrorism.
