ROTTERDAM, Netherlands – A gunman wearing combat clothing opened fire at multiple locations in Rotterdam, resulting in the deaths of a teacher, a local woman, and her daughter. The suspect, a 32-year-old university student, first shot and killed a 39-year-old woman in his neighborhood, then set her house on fire before heading to the Erasmus Medical Center. There, he entered a classroom and fatally shot a 46-year-old teacher before being arrested near the hospital.
According to the police, the gunman also seriously injured the 39-year-old woman’s 14-year-old daughter, who later succumbed to her injuries. Rotterdam Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb expressed shock at the incident and extended his condolences to the victims. The suspect, who was previously known to law enforcement and had a prior conviction for animal abuse, set a fire near the hospital after the shooting, the chief prosecutor confirmed.
Videos posted online showed the chaotic scene as police instructed students to evacuate, with heavily armed arrest teams arriving at the university campus. Authorities have stated that there are no indications of a second shooter. The motive behind the gunman’s actions remains unknown.
The incident has left the city of Rotterdam reeling, with emotions running high in the wake of the tragedy. Authorities are continuing to investigate the shooting as the community comes to terms with the loss of innocent lives.