An Alabama woman who says she, her daughter, a friend, and the friend’s daughter were targeted in an anti-ICE knife attack in Belgium is now in contact with senior US officials, including the American ambassador to the country.
Amanda Hardy said in a Facebook post that she received a phone call from US Ambassador to Belgium Bill White, who apologized “on behalf of the Embassy and on behalf of the President” following the incident. Hardy said White told her immediate steps were taken to review and change policies at the US Embassy in Belgium so that “no other American family is left in that position.”
The women had attempted to seek help from the embassy, but the office did not respond at the time to the incident, per WVTM13.
According to Hardy and video obtained during the incident, the alleged assailant was detained while they were present but was nearly released by Belgian authorities shortly afterward. She said Ambassador White committed to pursuing “all appropriate legal and diplomatic channels to seek clarity, accountability, and full review of how this case was handled.” The women said that the assailant had asked them if they "like ICE" prior to the attack.
"The next thing that he does is that he draws a knife," Hardy told reporters. Hardy added that the attacker also said, "I can shoot too," in reference to a gun.
Hardy also said she spoke with the office of Sen. Tommy Tuberville. “His staff is wonderful,” she wrote, adding that the office took action “to demand accountability so that our concerns were not dismissed or overlooked.” She said there is still more work to do, but progress was made.
The incident took place during a trip to celebrate her daughter Willow’s 13th birthday. “Tomorrow is Willow's birthday,” Hardy wrote. “We took her on the trip to celebrate her 13th birthday, and we thank God we are still here to do that.”
She added, “Sometimes terrible things don't happen for a reason – but they can be used with purpose. We refuse to let what was meant for harm to be wasted.”
“For those who know Willow – know she was born for such a time as this. Esther 4:14.”
A statement posted to the U.S. Embassy in Belgium's website reads, "The U.S. Embassy in Brussels is aware of an incident involving U.S. citizens that occurred recently in Belgium. Upon learning of the incident, the U.S. Embassy contacted local police, who were investigating the matter. We understand that an individual was detained in relation to the incident, and we are seeking clarification from Belgian police as to the status of the investigation. Local law enforcement has jurisdiction over criminal investigations occurring within Belgian territory, and we work closely with host country authorities to ensure U.S. citizens receive appropriate assistance and support.”
"Our consular staff provided guidance and information about available resources to the U.S. citizens involved. Ambassador White has personally engaged on this matter by contacting Belgian authorities, including the Interior Minister, the Justice Minister, the Chief Prosecutor, and the South Brussels police chief. He expressed grave concern about both the incident and the treatment that the affected U.S. citizen reported experiencing. He called on Belgian officials to continue an investigation into the events and to prosecute the individual to the fullest extent of the law. The Embassy has also changed its internal procedures to immediately notify the Ambassador when similar situations occur.
"The safety and security of American citizens overseas is the Department of State’s highest priority. Due to privacy considerations, we cannot discuss specific details of individual cases. U.S. citizens traveling or residing abroad who require assistance should contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, or call 1-888-407-4747 (from the U.S. and Canada) or +1-202-501-4444 (from overseas)."
Amanda Hardy said in a Facebook post that she received a phone call from US Ambassador to Belgium Bill White, who apologized “on behalf of the Embassy and on behalf of the President” following the incident. Hardy said White told her immediate steps were taken to review and change policies at the US Embassy in Belgium so that “no other American family is left in that position.”
The women had attempted to seek help from the embassy, but the office did not respond at the time to the incident, per WVTM13.
According to Hardy and video obtained during the incident, the alleged assailant was detained while they were present but was nearly released by Belgian authorities shortly afterward. She said Ambassador White committed to pursuing “all appropriate legal and diplomatic channels to seek clarity, accountability, and full review of how this case was handled.” The women said that the assailant had asked them if they "like ICE" prior to the attack.
"The next thing that he does is that he draws a knife," Hardy told reporters. Hardy added that the attacker also said, "I can shoot too," in reference to a gun.
Hardy also said she spoke with the office of Sen. Tommy Tuberville. “His staff is wonderful,” she wrote, adding that the office took action “to demand accountability so that our concerns were not dismissed or overlooked.” She said there is still more work to do, but progress was made.
The incident took place during a trip to celebrate her daughter Willow’s 13th birthday. “Tomorrow is Willow's birthday,” Hardy wrote. “We took her on the trip to celebrate her 13th birthday, and we thank God we are still here to do that.”
She added, “Sometimes terrible things don't happen for a reason – but they can be used with purpose. We refuse to let what was meant for harm to be wasted.”
“For those who know Willow – know she was born for such a time as this. Esther 4:14.”
A statement posted to the U.S. Embassy in Belgium's website reads, "The U.S. Embassy in Brussels is aware of an incident involving U.S. citizens that occurred recently in Belgium. Upon learning of the incident, the U.S. Embassy contacted local police, who were investigating the matter. We understand that an individual was detained in relation to the incident, and we are seeking clarification from Belgian police as to the status of the investigation. Local law enforcement has jurisdiction over criminal investigations occurring within Belgian territory, and we work closely with host country authorities to ensure U.S. citizens receive appropriate assistance and support.”
"Our consular staff provided guidance and information about available resources to the U.S. citizens involved. Ambassador White has personally engaged on this matter by contacting Belgian authorities, including the Interior Minister, the Justice Minister, the Chief Prosecutor, and the South Brussels police chief. He expressed grave concern about both the incident and the treatment that the affected U.S. citizen reported experiencing. He called on Belgian officials to continue an investigation into the events and to prosecute the individual to the fullest extent of the law. The Embassy has also changed its internal procedures to immediately notify the Ambassador when similar situations occur.
"The safety and security of American citizens overseas is the Department of State’s highest priority. Due to privacy considerations, we cannot discuss specific details of individual cases. U.S. citizens traveling or residing abroad who require assistance should contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, or call 1-888-407-4747 (from the U.S. and Canada) or +1-202-501-4444 (from overseas)."
