White Powder Sent to Belgian PM Office Identified as Strychnine
In November 2024, a white powder sent to the office of Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo was identified as strychnine, a deadly poison that can cause severe harm or even death. The incident, which resulted in the hospitalization of an aide to De Croo, has raised alarm about the growing threat of violence and intimidation against elected officials in Europe.
The Belgian prosecutor’s office revealed on January 7, 2025, that the white powder, which had been sent to several government offices, including De Croo’s, was strychnine. This potent poison is commonly used as a rat poison, but in humans, it can lead to muscle spasms, cardiac arrest, and ultimately, death. The powder was discovered on November 22, two days after similar packages containing suspicious substances were found at the office of Belgium’s Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden and the headquarters of the state security service.
The aide to Prime Minister De Croo, who opened the package, suffered injuries to their hands and was hospitalized, though the injuries were not life-threatening. Another person was put into quarantine as a precaution after the other packages were discovered, though they were unharmed. The Belgian authorities have emphasized that all safety procedures were followed during the incident to ensure that no further harm was caused.
The use of strychnine in these packages underscores a dangerous trend of rising threats against political figures in Europe. In recent years, politicians in countries like Slovakia and Denmark have been targeted in violent attacks, including an assassination attempt against Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico. Last year, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was physically assaulted in Copenhagen, further illustrating the increasingly volatile environment surrounding public figures.
Belgium’s then Justice Minister, Vincent Van Quickenborne, was placed under heavy security in 2022 after authorities uncovered a plot to kidnap him, which was allegedly linked to drug gangs. This follows the growing concern highlighted by the Council of Europe, which warned in 2023 about the increasing violence directed at local and regional elected representatives. This worrying trend raises fears that such acts of aggression could deter individuals from pursuing political careers, particularly in a climate of heightened insecurity.
The incident with the strychnine-laced letters also follows a separate security scare when a man armed with a knife was arrested outside De Croo’s office in Brussels. Though the man’s motivations are still unclear, the arrest underscores the escalating security threats faced by political leaders.
The use of strychnine in this case serves as a grim reminder of the potential dangers posed by individuals with malicious intent. While the package did not cause the harm it was designed to, it highlights the need for stronger protective measures and a more effective response to threats against politicians. As political violence continues to rise in Europe, it remains to be seen how authorities will address the growing challenge of safeguarding public figures in an increasingly hostile environment.
For further insight into the rise in political violence and security measures, visit this article on political violence prevention.
