Netherlands investigates possible terrorist motivation in Rotterdam stabbing

September 20 () –

Dutch authorities announced Friday that they are investigating a possible terrorist motive for the young man who stabbed several people in the Dutch city of Rotterdam, an incident that has resulted in one death.

“The public prosecutor suspects the 22-year-old from Amersfoort of murder and attempted murder with terrorist intent. The investigation carried out so far provides evidence that the suspect may have ideological motives,” the prosecutor’s office said in a statement.

In this regard, he explained that the attacker, who was walking down the street with several knives, shouted ‘Allahu Akbar’ (God is the greatest) before stabbing the victim. “The Public Prosecutor’s Office wishes to stress that the investigation is still in full swing and that other motives cannot be ruled out,” he added.

He also said that the suspect “is known to the police and the judiciary” as “he was convicted of violent incidents.” The young man, currently in pretrial detention, will appear before the investigating judge on Monday.

Rotterdam police said the attacker stabbed his first victim near the city’s Erasmus bridge. The man, aged 32, died shortly afterwards, with efforts to keep him alive having been unsuccessful.

A second person, a 33-year-old Swiss citizen, was seriously injured by the attacker but has since been discharged from hospital.