2 U.S. CITIZENS HURT IN ATTACK
Stabbing seen as terrorism
Two U.S. citizens were stabbed in a knife attack at Amsterdam Central Station Friday in what local authorities are saying was a “terrorist motive.”
Amsterdam police shot and wounded the suspect, a 19-year-old Afghan man who had a German residency permit. Local government officials said the victims did not appear to be targeted for any particular reason. Officials are identifying the alleged attacker as “Jawed S.,” who currently remains hospitalized.
The victims are recovering in a hospital from what police described as serious but not life-threatening injuries. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said on Twitter that the investigation is ongoing and is focused on extremist ideology.
German authorities searched the suspect’s home and took data storage devices that will be analyzed as part of the investigation, according to a city government statement. The man is scheduled to be arraigned tomorrow; however, Dutch authorities did not disclose the charges he could face.
Local government officials in Amsterdam said it had no immediate plans to ramp up security in the city saying that the action taken by police, “shows that Amsterdam is prepared for this kind of incident.”
U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands Pete Hoekstra issued a statement saying that embassy officials have been in touch with the victims and their families. The identify of the victims has not yet been released. “We wish them a speedy recovery and are working closely with the City of Amsterdam to provide assistance to them and their families,” Hoekstra said.
Central Station is one of Amsterdam’s busiest train stations with regular trains connecting it to Schipol Airport. Friday is one of the busiest days at Central Station as tourists arrive for the weekend. The station is patrolled by armed police and other security staff.