Dutch probe terror motive in shooting

Note found after attack conveys extremist intent

UTRECHT, Netherlands — Investigators probing the deadly tram shooting in the Dutch city of Utrecht sharpened their focus Tuesday on a possible extremist motive, as judicial authorities revealed that the main suspect was released from jail this month and faces a rape trial in July.

The nature of the Monday’s attack and a note found in a suspected getaway car suggest a possible terror motive, prosecutors said in a statement, but they add that other possible reasons also are being investigated.

“Based on the letter, we think he had a terroristic motive,” police spokesman Joost Lanshage said. He declined to elaborate.

Speaking in parliament, anti-islam lawmaker Geert Wilders said the note expressed support for the suspect’s “Muslim brothers.”

Prosecutors also said that investigations so far have not established any relationship between the main suspect, Gokmen Tanis, and the shooting victims.

Three people died: a woman, 19, from the neighboring town of Vianen, and two men, 28 and 49, from Utrecht. Three others were seriously wounded, and four had minor injuries, according to prosecutors.

Late Tuesday, police said they had detained a 40-year-old man in Utrecht on suspicion of involvement. Police said the man “is suspected of involvement in the shooting. His role is under further investigation.” Police also released two other men arrested after the shooting and said they were no longer considered suspects. Tanis remains in custody.

Throughout the day, well-wishers placed flowers at the foot of a tree next to the intersection where the shooting happened. Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Justice Minister Ferd Grapperhaus also laid bouquets and briefly talked to police officers at the scene.

In an unusual step, judicial authorities released details of Tanis’ criminal past, and said he was released from jail on March 1 and faces trial in July on a rape charge. A court had approved his release after he pledged to cooperate with authorities.

In the past, he was acquitted of manslaughter but convicted of illegal possession of a weapon and theft.

Wilders called on Justice Minister Ferd Grapperhaus to resign, saying that Tanis shouldn’t have been released.

Peter Dejong The Associated Press Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, center right, and Justice Minister Ferd Grapperhaus, left, place flowers Tuesday at a makeshift memorial for victims of a tram shooting in Utrecht, Netherlands.