Dutch authorities confirmed Saturday that the suspect behind a mass stabbing near Amsterdam’s Dam Square is a 30-year-old migrant originally from Ukraine’s eastern region of Donetsk.
The attack, which left five people injured on Thursday afternoon, included victims from Belgium, Poland, the Netherlands and two American tourists. Police stated the stabbings appeared to be random, and no clear motive has been identified so far.
Identifying the suspect proved difficult initially due to multiple false identity documents in his possession. The man, now identified as Roman D., reportedly refused to cooperate with police, delaying verification of his true identity.
Roman D. sustained injuries while being apprehended, largely due to the quick actions of a visiting English tourist who tackled him to the ground. This tourist was later honored by
Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema for his bravery during a brief ceremony.
Following his capture, the suspect was taken to a secure medical facility in Scheveningen where he remains under guard. Roman D. is scheduled for a detention hearing on April 1 to determine the conditions of his continued detention.
The disclosure of Roman D.’s Ukrainian background, originating from the now largely Russian-controlled Donetsk region, drew swift criticism from Dutch political leader Geert Wilders. Wilders reacted sharply, noting simply, “And we keep paying.”
Dutch officials continue to investigate the circumstances of the attack, emphasizing the suspect’s migrant status and background, without yet determining his motivation.
