Valley restaurant owner reacts to attacks in hometown Brussels

It’s a half a world away, but the impact of the Belgium attacks is being felt in the Coachella Valley.

Philippe Caupain, owner of Si Bon restaurant in Rancho Mirage, was born and raised in Brussels.

He said it was devastating Tuesday morning seeing the terror that erupted in Belgium where his family still lives.

“Like me they try to cope with the situation. My brother in law is a doctor, so he’s helping the people because there is really bad carnage,” said Caupain.

His family is safe and while shocked, Caupain said part of him anticipated an attack like this would happen sooner or later in Belgium’s capital city.

“Brussels has been known to be a nesting of these extremists … They striked today, unfortunately. It’s very sad,” said Caupain.

We first met Caupain last November after the Paris attacks. His 32-year-old niece was shot during the Eagles of Death Metal concert. She is still recovering.