Manhunt for Jürgen Conings

The manhunt for Jürgen Conings (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈjyːrɣə(ŋ) ˈkoːnɪŋs]) began on 18 May 2021, after the discovery that Conings, a Belgian soldier under suspicion of far-right extremism, had taken several weapons from military barracks in Leopoldsburg the previous day and farewell letters were found containing violent threats directed at the Belgian government and virologists (relating to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic).

[2] One day later, the Federal Prosecutor's Office confirmed that Conings died of suicide by gunshot, which was disputed by his family.

[4] Jürgen Conings (28 September 1974 in Maaseik – May or June 2021 in Dilsen-Stokkem)[5][6] was a corporal in the Belgian Air Component and shooting instructor.

[7] Several colleagues of Conings declared that he held far-right ideas, and had threatened Marc Van Ranst, a Belgian virologist.

[10] Because of his politically left-leaning ideas and presence on social media, Van Ranst is often targeted by right-wing and COVID-19 skeptics.

The same day, his abandoned Audi Q5 car was found by the federal police in Dilsen-Stokkem near Hoge Kempen National Park.

[17][18] On 20 May, the federal prosecutor's office started a judicial investigation against Conings for "attempted murder and illegal possession of firearms in a terrorist context.

[6] The federal police performed several searches on 22 May, including the house of Conings, Tomas Boutens, and other residences of far-right individuals.

[22][23] Media reported that by 16 June the Belgian Armed Forces had spent over €650,000 on the manhunt, with most of the cost being for materials and fuel but also including bonuses paid to soldiers mobilised for weekend searches.

[24] On 20 June, mayor of Maaseik Johan Tollenaere [nl] noticed the smell of a decaying body at the Dilserbos forest, near the spot where Conings' abandoned car was found.

[26][2] The same day, virologist Marc Van Ranst returned to his home after his stay at a safe house for the duration of the manhunt.

[29] Prime Minister Alexander De Croo called it unacceptable that someone considered dangerous has access to weapons.

[30] During a press conference on 25 May, Dedonder admitted together with Chief of Defence Michel Hofman that mistakes were made in the case of Conings and that they were being examined.

"[34] In Maasmechelen, close to Hoge Kempen national park, a "March for Jürgen" was held, attracting about 150 participants.