Dutch police have identified the perpetrator of Thursday’s violent stabbing spree in Amsterdam as a 30-year-old migrant from Ukraine’s war-torn Donetsk region.
The suspect, known by authorities as Roman D., reportedly attacked multiple bystanders without apparent reason near the popular Dam Square tourist area, wounding five.
Among the victims were two American tourists aged 67 and 69, a 73-year-old Belgian woman, a Polish man aged 26 and a local 19-year-old woman.
Police initially faced obstacles in establishing the suspect’s identity because he carried several fraudulent documents and refused to cooperate. Investigators later confirmed Roman D.’s origin as Donetsk, a Ukrainian territory largely controlled by Russian forces since the invasion began.
The violent incident was brought to a swift conclusion thanks to an English tourist who tackled Roman D. and restrained him until authorities arrived. Amsterdam’s Mayor Femke Halsema presented a medal to this visitor to honor his bravery.
While attempting to escape, Roman D. sustained a leg injury and was taken under custody to a secure medical facility in Scheveningen. He remains there awaiting an April 1 court appearance, at which a judge will rule on the terms of his continued detention.
Prominent Dutch populist politician Geert Wilders reacted to news of the attacker’s Ukrainian migrant status with sharp criticism of current immigration policies, stating simply, “And we keep paying.”
Police emphasize that their investigation remains active and ongoing as they continue searching for a motive behind Roman D.’s violent actions.
