Five people sustained injuries in a violent stabbing incident near Amsterdam's central Dam Square, as reported by local police. Among the injured were two citizens from the United States, a Polish man, a Belgian woman, and a Dutch woman. The ages of the victims ranged from 19 to 73.
The police apprehended a male suspect who was reportedly subdued by bystanders and subsequently taken to a hospital due to a leg injury. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, although authorities are investigating the possibility that the victims were chosen at random.
Amsterdam's Mayor, Femke Halsema, expressed her sympathies, stating that a comprehensive investigation is underway to uncover the details of the incident. She conveyed the city's support to the victims and their families during this distressing time.
Emergency services received alerts about the stabbing shortly after 3:30 PM local time (14:30 GMT) and quickly arrived at the scene to find individuals injured across various locations on Sint Nicolaasstraat. Witnesses described a scene of chaos, reporting screams and panicked crowds in response to the attack.
Local sources indicated that an emergency helicopter was dispatched, landing near the Royal Palace, as police secured the area. Eyewitness accounts recounted the shocking nature of the event; one witness reported discovering a knife lodged in a victim’s back following the initial commotion.
The police have called for anyone with footage of the incident to come forward as they continue to gather information surrounding this alarming event. Initial reports indicated four injured, but this was later revised to five, including the suspect. The issue has raised significant concerns regarding public safety in the heart of Amsterdam, a popular location for both locals and tourists.
