AMSTERDAM — Five people were injured in a stabbing incident near Amsterdam’s central Dam Square on Thursday, according to police. The victims include two Americans, a Polish man, a Belgian woman, and a Dutch woman, ranging in age from 19 to 73.
The male suspect, who was subdued with the help of bystanders, was taken to the hospital with a leg injury after his arrest. Authorities said the motive for the attack remains “under investigation,” but they are exploring the possibility that the suspect acted randomly.
Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema confirmed that a police investigation is “in full swing” and expressed sympathy for the victims and their families. “Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and loved ones,” she said.
Emergency services responded to multiple reports of a stabbing incident at around 3:30 p.m. local time (2:30 p.m. GMT). Officers quickly arrived at the scene and discovered five injured individuals at various locations in and around Sint Nicolaasstraat in the city center.
Authorities secured a large area around the Royal Palace on Dam Square, where an emergency helicopter landed. The square, a popular spot for tourists, lies in the heart of Amsterdam’s historic district.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and panic. A witness told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf that they heard an “icy scream” before panic broke out. Another witness, quoted by Amsterdam outlet Het Parool, described seeing a knife protruding from a young woman’s back.
Police initially reported four victims but later confirmed five people were wounded, along with the suspect. Authorities are urging anyone with images or video footage of the incident to upload them as evidence.
