Life has been tense in Brussels, Belgium. The city has been on the highest terror alert since the terrorist attacks in Paris on Nov. 13. Prime Minister Charles Michel fears an “imminent threat” to the capitol city.
Raids on Sunday resulted in the arrest of 16 individuals and the city’s schools, subway systems, and universities will remain closed until Wednesday. Police also asked for silence on social media. But, as USA Today reported, the Internet wasn’t having any of that.
In response, many took to tweeting out cat memes, using #BrusselsLockdown as the hashtag. USA Today pointed out Sunday night that there were nearly 190,000 mentions. Many tweets using the hashtag for Monday continue to be about the cat memes.
This, dear outsiders, is how we fight terrorism here. They haven’t got a chance! We haz kittens! #BrusselsLockdown pic.twitter.com/sdq1MbrKsz
— Gilles Bordelais (@Gilles_PPDE) November 22, 2015
so now we wait. #BrusselsLockdown pic.twitter.com/xUhmh1mlPm
— sjeel (@whatkindafukery) November 22, 2015
BREAKING NEWS : Belgium Police using the new 200mph Hovercat during terrorist operations #BrusselsLockdown pic.twitter.com/MnIpiOZT3x
— Jayce le Satirique (@jaycelight) November 22, 2015
Residents told to stay away from windows. Not sure they got the message #BrusselsLockdown pic.twitter.com/kv3Mosk5mZ
— Matteo Albania (@m_albania) November 22, 2015
shush I’m spying #BrusselsLockdown pic.twitter.com/mJ0pmh4zSc
— peter vens (@snevretep) November 22, 2015
Exclusive picture of the man the police is looking for #BrusselsLockdown pic.twitter.com/9dHN9gA4yw
— Florence (@flowindey) November 22, 2015
While it did not include a picture of cats, this tweet had a very fitting response.
Tbf the very possible idea of angry, confused terrorists scrolling through the #BrusselsLockdown hashtag is making me quite happy right now
— Daniel Roberts (@danroberts11) November 22, 2015
The police did notice and appreciate the memes, as they tweeted out a bowl of cat food on Monday “for the cats who helped us yesterday.”
Voor de katten die ons gisteren geholpen hebben… Alsjeblieft! #BrusselsLockdown pic.twitter.com/QlwY9EtzEZ
— Federale Politie (@FedPol_pers) November 23, 2015
The social media cat meme blitz did not harm police efforts too much. As the New York Times reported Monday, the number arrested has risen to 21.
