Rotterdam: Knife attack probably has terrorist background

According to preliminary investigations, the public prosecutor's office believes the crime was “possibly ideologically motivated.” The suspect shouted “Allahu Akbar” several times. However, the public prosecutor's office emphasizes that other motives are also being investigated.

The incident occurred late in the evening

The suspected perpetrator comes from Amersfoort, about 80 kilometers east of Rotterdam. He has a previous conviction for violent crimes, the public prosecutor's office said. The fatality was a 32-year-old man. A 33-year-old from Switzerland was seriously injured. He has since been released from hospital, according to the public prosecutor's office.

Some Islamist extremists use the phrase “Allahu Akbar” (God is great) as a battle cry, effectively hijacking the central religious formula of Islam that has been used by Muslims around the world for centuries.

The incident occurred late in the evening near the Erasmus Bridge in the city center. According to witnesses, a 32-year-old fitness coach overpowered and disarmed the man. He said that the attacker had two long knives with him.