Five wounded in stabbing attack in Amsterdam, knifeman chose victims at 'random'

Five victims were wounded in the attack, and two are in serious condition.

Dutch police officers detain a man after riots in Amsterdam, Netherlands, November 11, 2024.  (photo credit: Mizzle Media/Handout via REUTERS)
Dutch police officers detain a man after riots in Amsterdam, Netherlands, November 11, 2024.
(photo credit: Mizzle Media/Handout via REUTERS)

Five people have been wounded in a stabbing near Amsterdam's central Dam Square, local police said on Thursday.

Two of the victims are in serious condition, according to local reports. The wounded include a 67-year-old woman and a 69-year-old man of American nationality, a 26-year-old man of Polish nationality, a 73-year-old woman from Belgium, and a 19-year-old woman from Amsterdam.

A spokesperson could not confirm whether the attacker had been arrested or the motive of the stabbing.

The knifeman reportedly attacked individuals at random, according to De Telegraaf.  His stabbing spree was reportedly stopped after he was overpowered by a civilian. 

 Pro-Palestinian protesters face Dutch police while taking part in a banned demonstration in Amsterdam, Netherlands November 10, 2024. (credit: REUTERS/Anthony Deutsch)
Pro-Palestinian protesters face Dutch police while taking part in a banned demonstration in Amsterdam, Netherlands November 10, 2024. (credit: REUTERS/Anthony Deutsch)

Motive behind the stabbing

Police received reports of a robbery at the time of the attack, a spokesperson said. Investigations into the attack are ongoing.

Minister Van Weel said that authorities are not ruling out a terror attack but added that"It is still much too early for that" to be known.

"The police investigation is in full swing and has full priority at the moment. We hope to get more clarity soon about the background of this horrible stabbing," said mayor Femke Halsema.

Reuters contributed to this report.