Man arrested for planning attack on Pride Amsterdam
The police arrested a man in August on suspicion of preparing to commit a terrorist attack in the Netherlands, NU.nl reported based on charges filed by the Public Prosecution Service (OM). One of suspect's potential targets was Pride Amsterdam, the OM said.
According to the OM, 31-year-old Tashin E. searched online for information about chemicals that can be used to make explosives. He had one of those chemicals already in his possession. On Twitter he asked if anyone had an AK-47 for sale because he "needed it for the Gay Pride Parade".
The Prosecutor believes that E. also wanted to target Jewish people and the police. On social media, he commented "Jew spotted" on a video game video showing someone getting shot. And on WhatsApp he said that police officers were skunks and needed a few bullets in their foreheads, and "that day will come", the OM said.
On chat program Discord, the man spoke about the explosives he planned to make, also mentioning the chemicals he planned to use.
E. will appear in court for a non-substantive hearing on Friday.
His lawyer told Dutch media that his client has an autistic disorder and had no concrete plans to carry out an attack.