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Mass Stabbing Incident in Amsterdam City Center Injures Five
Amsterdam, Netherlands – Five individuals were wounded in a mass stabbing incident that occurred in the heart of Amsterdam on Thursday afternoon. Authorities have confirmed the arrest of a suspect and launched an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack near Sint Nicolaasstraat. The condition of the injured victims is currently unknown and the motive for the assault remains under investigation by police.
Incident Details and Location
According to reports, the stabbing incident unfolded at approximately 3:30 PM local time, prompting a swift response from emergency services. Dutch media outlet De Telegraaf reported that law enforcement established a security cordon in the Sint Nicolaasstraat area and Dam Square, a central location in Amsterdam. Witnesses reported a significant police presence, including numerous patrol vehicles and motorcycle officers, arriving at the scene within approximately 15 minutes of the initial reports.
Eyewitness Accounts
An eyewitness in the vicinity recounted to De Telegraaf hearing a sudden “icy scream” as the events transpired. Journalist Marcel Vink, reporting live from the scene, conveyed via social media platform X that a young woman described people fleeing in panic, initially fearing a potential terror attack.
The witness reportedly expressed concerns about terror-related incidents in neighboring Germany potentially extending to the Netherlands, specifically referencing vehicular attacks targeting pedestrians.
Victim Nationalities Confirmed
Police have confirmed the nationalities of the five victims injured in the Amsterdam stabbing. Those wounded include:
- Two United States nationals
- One Polish national
- One Belgian national
- One Dutch national
Official Response and Investigation
Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema was reportedly summoned from a city council meeting in the immediate aftermath of the attack.
Police Statement on the Incident
Local police issued a statement confirming the incident: “On Thursday afternoon, March 27th, five people sustained injuries in a stabbing incident near Sint Nicolaasstraat in the city center of Amsterdam. Police have apprehended a male suspect, and his identity is currently under investigation.”
The statement further detailed the timeline of events: “Just before 3:30 PM, emergency services received multiple reports of a stabbing incident. Officers promptly arrived at the location and discovered five injured individuals at various points in and around Sint Nicolaasstraat. Numerous ambulances and a Mobile Medical Team were dispatched to the scene. Extensive sections of Dam Square were cordoned off to facilitate emergency responders and enable investigative procedures.”
Victim Demographics Revealed
Further details regarding the victims have been released, identifying them as:
- A 67-year-old American woman
- A 69-year-old American man
- A 26-year-old Polish man
- A 73-year-old Belgian woman
- A 19-year-old Amsterdam woman
Suspect Apprehended, Motive Unclear
The police statement continued, “With the assistance of bystanders, officers successfully apprehended a suspect in Gravenstraat shortly after the incident. The suspect also sustained a leg injury and was subsequently transported to a hospital. The motive behind the attack is presently unclear and is the subject of ongoing investigation. Law enforcement is exploring the possibility that the suspect may have randomly targeted victims, but the precise motive remains undetermined.”
Mayor Halsema’s Statement
Mayor Halsema issued a statement acknowledging the severity of the situation: “The police investigation is fully underway and is currently the foremost priority. We hope to swiftly gain clarity regarding the background of this horrific stabbing incident. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and loved ones.”