In times of terrorist attacks, the media, the authorities and the people are in a state of panic. This is the point of terrorism: to cause panic and confusion.
As time passes the rumors disappear, and all that is left are the facts.
Terrorism is the absolute worst in humanity. Terrorism does not discriminate. It can kill anyone, and destroy any feeling of safety. It makes us distrust one another, and it shakes us to our core.
But often times, in tragedy, the best of humanity comes to light.
People show their inherent good nature and offer to help those who are helpless. We see those who run into the fire, not away from it, and those who put themselves at risk to help those who are hurt. One of the most positive things to come out of this attack was #openhouse.
A attack on an airport is especially difficult because it leaves people stranded. They have no place to go, no supplies, or anything. Immediately following the attacks, many people offered their houses to those displaced by the bombings. They opened their homes to complete strangers, and offered a roof over their heads, food and anything people need. These citizens spread the word on Twitter, and helped those who were displaced.
If you need help, dm me.
My door is open.
Mijn deur is open.
Ma porte est ouverte.#OpenHouse #ikwilhelpen #prayforbelgium #RT please.— Céline || 10✈️ (@castlesouat) March 22, 2016
#openhouse #Brussels if you’re stuck in brussels today we can accommodate a family. Equipped for babies too.
— julien bloit (@jbloit) March 22, 2016
We are located right next to Leuven station and happy to share warmth, coffee and love whoever needs it most. #openhouse #brusselsattack
— madewithlove (@madewithlove) March 22, 2016
People in Brussels are using #PorteOuverte, #ikwilhelpen, & #openhouse to provide help https://t.co/3YbI4n6X48 —@ABC pic.twitter.com/IRQmsYV3YD
— Avianne Tan (@avianneflu) March 22, 2016
In times like these, it is important that we all remember the words of the beloved Fred Rogers, the host of the childhood show “Mr. Rogers Neighborhood”.
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So here is what we know about the Brussels attacks and the investigation:
- March 22, 2016, at 7:45 AM, a bomb exploded in Zaventem Airport in Brussels. A second explosion followed minutes later as people were fleeing. About one hour later, a bomb exploded on a train at Molenbeek metro station.
35 people were confirmed killed: 11 in the airport, 20 in the metro, and four have died from injuries since the attacks.
The Islamic State (IS/Daesh) claimed responsibility for the attacks. - A week before the attacks, Paris terrorist Salah Abdeslam was arrested in Brussels.
- The identities of the suicide bombers were released. Brahim el-Bakraoui and his brother Khalid, and Najim Laachraoui were the three suicide bombers.A fourth suspect was identified as the third bomber in the airport, Faycal Cheffou, a freelance journalist, was arrested by later released due to lack of evidence as not involved in the attack. A taxi driver came forward and led poilce to the area the men were picked up. The taxi driver refused to take additional bags, which were later found to have additional explosives.Numerous others were arrested in raids in the days after the attacks.
- Last Sunday, as people were mourning the victims, a number of hooligans showed up calling themselves “Casuals Against Terrorism”. They started altercations shouting nationalist and anti-Islamic slogans. The police had to disperse them with water cannons.