In a horrific incident in Rotterdam on Thursday night, a knife attack resulted in one death and another serious injury. According to Dutch media reports, the assailant first attacked his victim in a parking lot under the Erasmus Bridge before moving to street level, where he fatally injured another individual. Eyewitnesses claimed the suspect wielded two large knives and targeted random passersby.
The police have detained the suspect, who also sustained injuries. Police spokesperson Wessel Stolle confirmed that an investigation is underway, but no motives have yet been established. “We are considering all possible scenarios,” he added.
Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf reported that witnesses heard the assailant shouting “Allahu Akbar,” an Arabic phrase meaning “God is great.” The police confirmed they also heard this phrase, and it is part of their ongoing investigation.
Witness Reniël Renato David Litecia, a sports instructor, recounted how he attempted to stop the attacker using two sticks and managed to disarm him. “At first, I thought it was just a fight, but then I realized the situation was much more serious,” he said.
Another police spokesperson, Christel Arnts, stated that the attacker first struck a victim in the underground parking lot before continuing his assault near a busy terrace at one end of the bridge. She also noted that it is still too early to determine the motives behind the attack. “We have detained the suspect and will interrogate him. We will review all witness testimonies to see what possible motives there might be,” she added.
The identities of the victims and the suspect have not been disclosed.
