Authorities have reported that five individuals, including two Americans and a Belgian woman, were injured in a stabbing incident near Amsterdam's Dam Square, with bystanders assisting in apprehending the suspect.
Stabbing Incident in Amsterdam Leaves Five Injured, Suspect Arrested
Stabbing Incident in Amsterdam Leaves Five Injured, Suspect Arrested
A stabbing in Amsterdam's Dam Square has resulted in five injuries, prompting a swift police response and an ongoing investigation into the suspect's motives.
Five individuals sustained injuries in a stabbing incident in Amsterdam's central Dam Square, according to local police reports. Among the injured are two American tourists, a Polish man, a Belgian woman, and a Dutch woman. The ages of the victims range from 19 to 73 years.
The male suspect, who has been arrested, was subdued by bystanders and subsequently received medical attention for a leg injury. The motive behind this incident is still under investigation by police, who are exploring the possibility that the attacker may have randomly targeted victims.
Amsterdam's Mayor, Femke Halsema, expressed concern and sympathy for those affected, stating, "Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and loved ones," while assuring that police investigations are ongoing to provide more clarity about the events.
The situation escalated when emergency services received reports of the stabbing around 15:30 local time (14:30 GMT). Officers promptly arrived at the scene to discover five individuals injured in various locations near Sint Nicolaasstraat. Following the incident, police cordoned off a significant area around the Royal Palace in Dam Square, which is a well-known attraction in the historic district, while an emergency helicopter landed to assist.
Witness accounts depict a chaotic scene, with multiple reports of screams and panic erupting following the attack. One witness recounted that they heard an "icy scream," causing alarm in the vicinity. Another individual, who identified as a shop assistant, described hearing commotion and people running away.
A witness reporting for Het Parool described a distressing image of a knife embedded in a young girl's back, highlighting the severity of the situation. Authorities are now urging anyone who may have captured the incident on camera to share it as part of their investigation, which has confirmed a total of five injured alongside the suspect.
