Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A convicted criminal attacked a crowded Belgian Christmas market with guns and grenades killing three people in an apparently random attack before shooting himself today.
Shoppers fled in terror as Norodine Amrani, 33, opened fire at the Place Saint-Lambert in the centre of Liege.
A boy of 15, a 17-year-old girl and a 75-year-old woman died and at least 75 other people were injured including a two-year-old girl who was clinging to life.
Amrani's motive remained a mystery, but he was known to police for gun, drugs and sex offences and was due to attend a police station for questioning when he launched the attack.
Amid the chaos initial reports said three gunmen were responsible, but the Belgian Interior Ministry and prosecutors confirmed it was one man and there was no terrorist link.
Amrani left his home in Liege with a backpack, armed with hand grenades, a revolver and an FAL assault rifle, prosecutors said.
He walked alone to the central square. From a rooftop walkway, he lobbed three hand grenades towards a bus shelter, then he opened fire.
He still had grenades on him when his body was found.
The Place Saint-Lambert and the nearby Place du Marche host the Liege's annual Christmas market which consists of 200 retail cabins and attracts some 1.5 million visitors a year.
AP
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments