submit to reddit

In case you missed this story, here’s proof that cats really do hold the Internet together.

#BrusselsLockdown

Belgium’s government placed the country and its capital city of Brussels under the highest level of terror alert during the week of Nov. 22, because of an “imminent threat.” The capital’s metro and schools were shut down and residents were told to stay indoors.

Following a police request for journalists to stop tweeting their anti-terror operational details, hundreds of Belgians made an effort to bury Tweets about police activites. They began posting photos and videos of cats using the hashtag #BrusselsLockdown. Soon, people all over the world chimed in, creating a meme that trended on Twitter.

Police Fédérale ✔@PolFed_presse Tweeted
“For security, please respect the radio silence on social media concerning the police operations underway in Brussels,” the police wrote. “Thanks.”

Here’s an example of Tweets in response:

#BrusselsLockdown

Belgian-Police-Cat-TweetOn Monday, the police in Brussels acknowledged the bit of levity, and responded with a tongue-in-cheek response and a picture of cat food. “For cats who helped us last night … Help yourself!”

“Good job, Internet,” said the NY Times.