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Suspect in Amsterdam Knife Attack Had ‘Terrorist Intent,’ Say Prosecutors
Dutch prosecutors have stated that the individual responsible for the knife attack in Amsterdam, who was subdued by a courageous British tourist, acted with terrorist motivations and likely intended to harm more victims. The Thursday incident triggered alarm in the Dutch capital as a 30-year-old man from Donetsk, eastern Ukraine, perpetrated an apparently indiscriminate stabbing spree in the vicinity of Dam Square.
Accused Held on Attempted Murder Charges
The assailant will remain in detention for at least two additional weeks. He is being held under suspicion of ‘five counts of attempted murder or manslaughter with terrorist intent,’ according to a statement from the prosecuting authorities.
‘Hero of Dam’ Prevents Further Harm
Armed with multiple knives, the man launched attacks on individuals around Dam Square before being stopped by a British man, believed to be in his 30s. This individual has since been lauded as the ‘Hero of Dam’ for his intervention.
Victims’ Nationalities and Conditions
The victims included:
- A 67-year-old woman from the United States
- A 69-year-old man from the United States
- A 26-year-old man from Poland
- A 73-year-old woman from Belgium
- A 19-year-old woman from Amsterdam
Prosecutors confirmed that four of the injured parties remain hospitalized, but their conditions are stable.
Mayor Praises British Tourist’s Bravery
Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema expressed her gratitude to the unnamed British tourist for his ‘heroic deed,’ which she believes averted further attacks. The suspect sustained a leg injury during the incident and has been moved to the medical unit of a detention center in The Hague, where he is currently in solitary confinement.
Motive Still Unclear
While the attacker has not disclosed his reasons for the assault to law enforcement, local news outlets have reported a confession to the stabbings.
Military Expert Suggests Heroic Tourist’s Background
Following the event, an expert suggested to MailOnline that the British man who chased and apprehended the knifeman likely possesses a military background. He effectively and single-handedly captured the Ukrainian attacker shortly after the frenzied assault on bystanders in the Dutch capital.
Swift Action and Restraint Techniques
The hero reportedly sprinted after the attacker, tripped him by kicking his ankle, and then restrained him until police arrived. His composed and courageous actions were later recognized by the Mayor of Amsterdam, who presented him with a hero’s badge. However, he chose to remain anonymous, prioritizing the welfare of the victims.
Paul Biddiss, a former member of the Parachute Regiment, analyzed CCTV footage of the apprehension and identified five indicators suggesting specialized training.
Expert Analysis of the ‘Hero’s’ Actions
Speaking to MailOnline, Mr. Biddiss stated, ‘There’s no doubt in my mind he has received some form of training. That could be military, it could be police, or it could be close protection work.’
‘Initially, at six seconds, his exceptional fitness and speed in pursuing the attacker are evident, suggesting regular physical training.’
‘Subsequently, at 12 seconds, the manner in which he subdues and pins down the knifeman reveals his background. Importantly, this individual had just stabbed five people, yet the hero remains remarkably calm, controlled, and composed – indicative of prior training.’
‘Further, at 18 seconds, he is seen disabling the attacker by applying precise pressure to the wrists, elbows, and shoulder.’
‘At 24 seconds, it appears he utilizes his belt, a technique taught in the military for improvised restraint to neutralize threats.’
Tactical Control and Restraint
Mr. Biddiss, who served in the Parachute Regiment for 24 years and now works in counter-security and intelligence, elaborated on the techniques observed. ‘From my analysis, he employs prone restraint techniques, consistent with tactical control and restraint training.’
‘He effectively controls pressure points, immobilizing the attacker while maintaining complete control using his body weight.’
‘By positioning the attacker on his stomach and securing his hands behind his back, he prevents any struggle.’
‘Applying pressure to key points – wrist, elbow, and shoulder – while keeping both hands free ensures control. The use of a belt as a further restraint, if needed, demonstrates preparedness, but the technique is so proficient that the assailant is already subdued.’
‘He employs an arm lock, creating pain through arm angle to control the assailant.’
Fitness and Composure Under Pressure
Mr. Biddiss also emphasized the British man’s fitness. ‘His fitness level is clearly high, essential for police or security personnel.’
‘Maintaining a controlled heart rate is crucial for effective physical skills and situational control.’
‘Elevated heart rate typically diminishes skill and focus, but this individual reacted exceptionally fast and maintained composure.’
‘His request for anonymity further suggests a security background. I believe he could be ex-military working in security, given his trained response.’
City Honors Heroic Act
Last Friday, Mayor Femke Halsema formally recognized the British man’s bravery at her residence, awarding him Amsterdam’s heldenspeld, or hero’s badge.
‘He is a very modest British man,’ she told Amsterdam news channel AT5.
‘Fame is not his desire. His primary concern is for the victims; he feels responsible for them.’
The Mayor highlighted the tourist’s ‘great instinct’ in overpowering the suspect immediately after the fifth stabbing.
‘His split-second decision was truly exceptional and deserves immense appreciation,’ she added.
Ms. Halsema confirmed all victims were stable and that efforts to identify the perpetrator were ongoing.
Police Praise ‘Rare Citizen’s Arrest’
An Amsterdam police spokesperson told Dutch news outlet AD that the ‘heroic’ British man performed a ‘great job’ in executing a ‘rare citizen’s arrest’.
Witness Accounts of the Attack
One eyewitness recounted to MailOnline, ‘It was horrific. A woman was on the ground screaming, and upon rolling over, I saw a knife in her back.’
‘The hero, as we now know him, rushed after the attacker, while his companion stayed to assist the injured woman.’
‘His friend appeared to have first aid training, reassuring the woman and her husband while awaiting paramedics. Their reactions suggested they were not ordinary tourists.’
Another witness stated, ‘This man was a hero, stopping the attacker rapidly and professionally.’
‘From my sandwich shop, I saw him kick the man’s ankles, causing him to fall. He then sat on him to prevent movement.’
‘His calmness and composure suggested he was either police, security, or possibly military.’
Attacker in Custody
The knife-wielding suspect, injured in the leg, is receiving treatment at the infirmary of the prison in Scheveningen. He is scheduled for a closed-door court hearing in Amsterdam on Tuesday.