Dutch police reported that a knife-wielding assailant seriously injured multiple people, including two Americans, in a stabbing incident that occurred in an Amsterdam shopping area on Thursday.
The Associated Press reported that the attack, which lasted several minutes, ended when a passerby subdued the suspect near Dam Square on Thursday afternoon.
Emergency services, including ambulances and a trauma helicopter, responded to the scene to provide care .
Authorities stated that the attacker’s motive remains undetermined, but police are investigating the possibility that victims were randomly targeted.
Authorities identified the victims as a 69-year-old man and a 67-year-old woman from the United States, a 73-year-old woman from Belgium, a 26-year-old man from Poland, and a 19-year-old woman from Amsterdam.
Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema stated, “The police investigation is fully underway and has full priority. We hope to gain more clarity soon regarding the background of this . Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and loved ones.”
Police informed the AP that a bystander overpowered and injured the suspect.
Police spokesperson Eline Roovers told the AP, “The suspect was apprehended with the assistance of a civilian.”
Guido Oostorm, another police spokesperson, stated that the injured individuals were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
A State Department spokesperson confirmed to that two U.S. citizens were injured in the incident.
The spokesperson added, “The U.S. Department of State places the highest priority on the safety and security of U.S. citizens abroad. We are closely monitoring reports of a stabbing in Amsterdam, Netherlands. We express our sympathy to the victims and their families. We can confirm that two U.S. citizens were injured. Due to privacy concerns and other considerations, we will not comment further.”
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