Nation mourns tram victims

– Flags flew at half-mast on government buildings across the Netherlands yesterday, a day after a gunman opened fire on a tram on the outskirts of Utrecht, killing three people.

A suspect – 37-year-old Turkish-born Gokmen Tanis – was detained after a seven-hour manhunt on Monday, and by Dutch law must be brought before a judge by tomorrow.

Authorities said they were still trying to establish the motive for the attack in the quiet residential neighbourhood which also wounded five people.

Regional police commissioner Rob van Bree said on a late night talk show there was no connection known yet between the suspect and the victims, while Prime Minister Mark Rutte said “terrorist” motives could still not be ruled out.

But in an evening press conference, Utrecht’s top prosecutor, Rutger Jeuken, said family issues could be involved.

The suspect had previously been arrested, Jeuken told reporters, without giving further details.

There was no immediate comment from Tanis or any lawyer representing him.

Dutch newspaper identified one of the victims as a 19-yearold woman who worked in a cafe and another as a local football coach who was the father of two young children. Both have Dutch surnames. The third victim has not been identified. –