Antwerp white march held for Firdaous, killed by gunfire

Antwerp (Brussels Morning Newspaper) January 17, 2026 – The mother of 11-year-old Firdaous, shot dead in Antwerp, has organised a White March to protest violence against children. The march drew thousands through the city centre, with participants carrying white roses and banners reading “Violence against children must never become normal.” Firdaous’ family led the procession, calling for justice and safer streets.

Firdaous died from gunshot wounds sustained in a targeted shooting incident in Antwerp’s Borgerhout district. The event occurred amid rising concerns over gun violence in urban areas. Authorities confirmed the girl’s innocence in any criminal activity, emphasising the tragedy’s impact on the community.

Details of the Shooting Incident

Firdaous sustained fatal injuries during an exchange of gunfire between rival groups in Borgerhout on January 10, 2026. Bullets struck the 11-year-old while she stood near her home. Emergency services transported her to Antwerp University Hospital, where she succumbed to injuries despite medical efforts.

Police investigations point to a settling of scores between organised crime factions. Firdaous resided with her family in a social housing block frequented by local youth. No arrests directly linked to her death have occurred as of January 17.

White March Organisation and Route

The mother, named as Fatima B., initiated the march via social media and community networks. Registration exceeded 5,000 participants by January 16. The procession started at Antwerp Central Station at 14:00, proceeding along Keyserlei to Groenplaats.

Organisers provided white clothing and balloons as symbols of peace. Security included 200 stewards and police escorts. The event concluded with a minute’s silence at the cathedral, followed by rose-laying at a makeshift memorial.

Participant Statements and Quotes

Fatima B. addressed the crowd: “Violence against children must never become normal. Firdaous went to buy bread and never came home.” Community leaders from Antwerp’s mosques and churches joined, condemning gang culture. Mayor Bart De Wever attended, pledging increased patrols.

Schools in Borgerhout cancelled classes on march day, with pupils participating under parental supervision. Attendance included families from across Flanders affected by similar tragedies.

Historical Context of White Marches in Belgium

Belgium’s White March tradition began after the 1996 Marc Dutroux case, drawing 300,000 to Brussels. Subsequent marches marked child abductions and murders, including 2006’s for Meaux girls. Antwerp hosted a 2012 event following school shootings.

The format emphasises non-violence through white attire. Firdaous’ march marks the first since 2020 pandemic restrictions. National coordination falls under White Movement Belgium.

Police and Security Measures

Antwerp police deployed 300 officers, including mounted units and drones. Road closures affected Meir shopping street from 13:00 to 17:00. No incidents marred the event, unlike occasional counter-protests.

Federal investigators treat Firdaous’ case under Operation Zero Tolerance, targeting urban firearms. Ballistic analysis links the weapon to prior Borgerhout incidents.

Community Impact in Borgerhout

Borgerhout, Antwerp’s diverse quarter, reports 20 shootings in 2025. Youth workers note gang recruitment among 10-15-year-olds. Firdaous attended local primary school, where counsellors now support classmates.

Local businesses closed during the march, displaying solidarity posters. Graffiti reading “Justice for Firdaous” appeared on district walls.

Government and Official Responses

Prime Minister Alexander De Croo issued a statement: “No child should fear bullets on our streets.” Flemish Minister for Youth Benjamin Dalle allocated €500,000 for Borgerhout prevention programmes. Antwerp City Council schedules emergency session on youth violence.

Petitions for stricter gun laws gathered 50,000 signatures online. National gun amnesty extends to February 2026.

Victim Profile and Family Background

Firdaous, aged 11, originated from Moroccan-Belgian heritage. She enjoyed football and dreamed of becoming a teacher, per family statements. Siblings aged 8 and 14 survive her.

Fatima B. works as a cleaner; father employed in logistics. GoFundMe raised €120,000 for funeral and legal costs within 48 hours.

Similar Cases in Recent Years

Gang Violence Statistics in Antwerp

Antwerp recorded 45 firearm incidents in 2025, up 30 percent from 2024. Cocaine trade fuels 70 percent of shootings. Mara Cherry and 36 Bis gangs dominate Borgerhout turf wars.

Federal police seized 250 guns in port raids last year. Youth involvement rose 25 percent per Justice Ministry data.

Memorial and Funeral Arrangements

Firdaous’ funeral held January 15 at Antwerp North Mosque, attended by 2,000. Burial followed at Schoonselhof cemetery. Family requests privacy amid media attention.

Temporary memorial at shooting site features candles and photos. City installs permanent plaque pending family approval.

National Media Coverage

VRT NWS aired live march footage, interviewing 50 participants. Het Laatste Nieuws front-paged Fatima’s quote. International outlets like BBC noted parallels to US school shootings.

Social media amplified #JusticeForFirdaous, reaching 10 million views. Celebrities including Stromae endorsed the cause.

Support Services Activated

CAW Antwerp offers trauma counselling to 200 affected residents. Child Focus hotline logged 300 calls post-incident. Schools deploy psychologists through June.

Government hotline for gang exit programmes receives 50 weekly referrals.

Political Initiatives Post-March

N-VA proposes Flemish youth curfew pilot in hotspots. PS demands federal gun buyback expansion. Groen calls for community policing overhaul.

Coalition agreement includes €100 million anti-gang fund by 2027. Cross-party march resolution passes Antwerp council unanimously.

International Solidarity

Dutch mayors from Rotterdam send condolences. Moroccan embassy pledges victim support. European Forum for Urban Security shares best practices.

Amnesty International monitors police conduct in investigation.

Ongoing Investigation Updates

Prosecutors name three suspects in custody on drug charges. House searches yield firearms in Borgerhout. Ballistics match ongoing cases. Reward fund reaches €50,000 for information leading to conviction. Tip line: 0800 30 300.