Deadly Stabbing on Erasmus Bridge: Suspect Shouts Allahu Akbar
A harrowing attack on the Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam has left one person dead and another severely injured, as a suspect reportedly shouted Allahu akbar during the assault. Emergency services rushed to the scene on Thursday evening, where they found the aftermath of a brutal stabbing that has sent shockwaves through the Dutch city.
At approximately 9:00 p.m., the Rotterdam police received reports of a knife attack on the iconic bridge, a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. The assailant targeted two individuals, stabbing one fatally and leaving the other in critical condition. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as the perpetrator chased victims and bystanders, leading to a dramatic intervention by several brave individuals.
Reniël, a personal trainer who was giving a lesson nearby, recounted the harrowing moments that unfolded. I heard people screaming and at first thought it was a fight, he told Rijnmond. My instinct was to calm him down immediately, but when I got closer, I saw a man with two long knives stabbing a young man. Reniël and five other bystanders managed to overpower the attacker in front of Remastered, a space for exhibitions, before the police arrived to make the arrest.
The suspect, whose identity and motive have not been disclosed by authorities, was injured during the struggle and taken to a hospital for treatment. The police cordoned off several locations around the Erasmus Bridge for investigation and are urging any witnesses who have not yet spoken to them to come forward.
The Rotterdam police have confirmed that they are investigating the incident, but have not provided any details on the suspect’s background or possible motivations. The phrase Allahu akbar, which translates to God is most great, is commonly used by Muslims in prayers, but has also been associated with terrorist attacks in the past. The police have not commented on whether they are considering terrorism as a motive in this case.
In the wake of the attack, the Rotterdam community has rallied around the victims and their families, with Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb calling the incident horrific. Our thoughts are with the loved ones of the deceased and the injured, he said in a statement. We are doing everything we can to support the victims and their families during this difficult time.
Justice Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius praised the actions of the bystanders who intervened to stop the attacker, calling them Rotterdam heroes. Their bravery and quick thinking prevented further harm and allowed the police to make a swift arrest, she said.
The stabbing has also raised concerns about public safety in the Netherlands, with some calling for increased security measures in public spaces. The Dutch government has been grappling with a rise in violent crime in recent years, with knife attacks and shootings becoming more frequent. The attack on the Erasmus Bridge is a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and preparedness in the face of such incidents.
As the investigation continues, the Rotterdam community is left to grapple with the aftermath of this senseless act of violence. The Erasmus Bridge, a symbol of the city’s resilience and strength, has become a site of tragedy and loss. But in the face of adversity, the people of Rotterdam have shown their resilience and unity, coming together to support one another and to seek justice for the victims.
References:
– Suspect reportedly shouted Allahu akbar in Erasmus Bridge stabbing; One dead, one hurt | NL Times
– Rotterdam police reports
– Rijnmond news coverage
– Statements by Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb and Justice Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius
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