MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – Two American women and their young children are getting some answers following a frightening encounter on a Brussels train in early February.
A man approached them with an 18-inch knife after asking them if they were American and if they liked ICE. When they contacted the U.S. Embassy for help, they say their calls weren’t handled appropriately.
U.S. Ambassador to Belgium Bill White has since apologized to Amanda Hardy and Courtney Sucher.
On Saturday, Hardy shared an update on Facebook announcing the U.S. Embassy has taken steps to change its policies to prevent other travelers from having a similar experience.
“If there is an American that contacts the embassy in Belgium with a safety concern, the ambassador has to be notified personally so they can decide what needs to happen,” Hardy said.
Ambassador White confirmed he has instituted a new protocol requiring embassy personnel to first notify Belgian law enforcement, then immediately notify him of any situation where a U.S. citizen is in immediate danger or has been a victim of a crime.
While appreciative of the embassy’s response, Hardy and Sucher say they’re still seeking critical answers.
“Our Department of Homeland Security—have they been notified? Are they going to do something to prevent this individual from entering America, where he has clear intent on harming Americans?” Hardy asked.
White said he is investigating why the suspect was detained and later released by Belgian authorities.
“It’s been an amazing start, but we want people to know we’re not finished,” Sucher said.
The two women hope the new policies will eventually be implemented at U.S. embassies in other countries.
“We do not want any other women, children, or persons to be put in the same situation as us,” Hardy said. “We want policy change, and we want justice.”
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