Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens

U.S. Embassy Brussels, Belgium

December 13, 2011 

The U.S. Mission in Brussels informs American citizens traveling through or residing in Belgium that this afternoon (December 13), a lone assailant threw grenades and opened fire on a crowd waiting for a bus on Place Saint Lambert in the center of Liege before committing suicide.  There have been reports of several casualties.  As of now, there is no/no indication that this was a planned terrorist attack. 

The U.S. Mission in Brussels advises American citizens traveling through or residing in Belgium to be aware of their surroundings at all times, avoid large crowds and stay current with media coverage of local events. 

Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy’s website and the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website -- www.travel.state.gov -- where current Worldwide Cautions, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information can be found.   In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444, between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except for U.S. federal holidays). 

The U.S. Embassy in Brussels can be reached at +32-2-811-4000; the after-hours emergency number is the same. The fax number for the consular section is +32-2-811-4546. The Embassy’s web site, which includes consular information and the most recent messages to the American community in Belgium, is found at http://belgium.usembassy.gov.