Belgium and Sweden's Euro 2024 qualifier was abandoned at half-time Monday after two people were shot dead in Brussels before kick-off. Belgian authorities raised the terror alert to its highest level in the capital with Prime Minister Alexander De Croo describing the incident as a "brutal terrorist attack."

The perpetrator targeted specifically Swedish supporters who were in Brussels to attend a Red Devils (Belgium) soccer match. Two Swedish compatriots passed away. A third person is recovering from severe injuries.

A man, who identified himself as a member of the Islamic State, claimed responsibility in a video posted online. According to a media transcript of the video message recorded by the self-declared perpetrator, the attacker said he had killed Swedes to take revenge in the name of Muslims.

The shooting took place around 45 minutes before kick-off and three miles (5km) from the stadium. It is unclear if the victims were in Brussels to watch the game, but reports said the pair were wearing Swedish football shirts.

The score was 1-1 at half-time when the game was suspended, and fans were told to remain in the King Baudouin Stadium "until security permits them to leave."

After the game, Sweden coach Janne Andersson confirmed they were told about the incident at half-time and decided not to continue with the match.

The 35,000 supporters were eventually allowed to leave in groups just after midnight local time. At the time, the gunman remained on the loose. The Tunisian gunman died on Tuesday after being shot by police in a café.