Multiple people were stabbed in Amsterdam’s iconic Dam Square this afternoon, with several police cars, ambulances and a helicopter spotted on scene. Five people were injured in the horror attac
Several people have been stabbed in Amsterdam, during an horror incident at the iconic Dam Square.
One eyewitness reported hearing an “icy scream” before panic broke out this afternoon. Police say at least five people are injured as dozens of officers, ambulances and an air ambulance were scrambled to the scene. A store employee also said that she suddenly heard a lot of shouting and screaming and that people started running in the direction of the incident.
Offices say the knifeman has been detained and is no longer at large. Detectives have said the arrested man’s motives for the multiple stabbings are not yet clear.
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In a post on social media Amsterdam Police said: “In a stabbing incident at the Sint Nicolaasstraat nearby the Dam square five people have been injured. One suspect has been arrested.”
A second post on the social media platform X read: “A motive is currently still unclear, but part of our investigation.”
The capital city’s mayor Mayor Femke Halsema has withdrawn from a council debate due to the incident, according to the local press. Mayor Halsema, Chief Prosecutor René de Beukelaer and Police Chief Peter Holla are meeting now after the stabbing incident.
A large police cordon is now in place around the area. Live footage from the scene in Dam Square shows large crowds gathering, with dozens of emergency vehicles scattered across the piazza.
Just days ago, more than 10,000 people gathered in Dam Square in a massive protest against racism and fascism. Protesters held signs reading “Never Again” and “Fact or Faber?”. The demonstration, organised by Comité 21 Maart, coincided with the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
Last week it was also the scene of a mass party to mark the 125th anniversary of the Amsterdam football club Ajax. The announcement was made by AFCA Supportersclub and F-Side on X.
It read: “It is almost party time! On Tuesday, March 18, it will be 125 years since Ajax was founded. This historic moment happened at the start of the Kalverstraat, close to the Dam.”
The club was founded on March 18, 1900 in the Kalverstraat. The supporters group added: “This is the right spot to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the club. On the Dam, in the hart of our city Amsterdam, we will toast this special moment.”