Over 200 arrested on New Year’s “full of destruction and violence,” says police chief
A chaotic and violent New Year’s Eve across the Netherlands led to the arrest of more than 200 people, as rioting, attacks on police officers, arson, and fireworks-related accidents marred the evening. Police officials described the night as “full of destruction and violence,” with significant incidents occurring in cities across the country.
Police Chief Janny Knol condemned the events, noting that what should have been a celebratory evening “turned into a night full of destruction and violence” in many locations. She emphasized that police officers and emergency responders were specifically targeted by rioters, calling it “unacceptable” that their efforts to ensure public safety were met with aggression.
The most severe incidents involved widespread use of illegal and heavy fireworks. In several cities, including Haarlem, Zaandam, Rotterdam, Den Haag, Amsterdam, Breda, and Groningen, police were forced to respond to dangerous riots and violent disturbances. In Veen, a police car was set on fire. In Culemborg, riot police used tear gas to prevent attackers from throwing fireworks at officers. The police intervened quickly to prevent further disorder in some areas, including Amersfoort, Urk, and Huizen.
Multiple cities experienced incidents where cars were set ablaze, and in Heemskerk, a firework bomb was detonated near a fire station, damaging the station’s doors. A police station in IJsselstein was also hit by heavy fireworks. There were reports of injuries related to fireworks, including the tragic death of a 14-year-old boy in Rotterdam from an explosion. Several other individuals across the country suffered severe injuries from fireworks.
In addition to the violence surrounding fireworks, police dealt with numerous assaults. In Woerden, a 49-year-old man was severely injured in a violent incident just after 3:30 a.m. A 27-year-old suspect was arrested in connection with the attack. In Amersfoort, a 51-year-old man was stabbed, and a 39-year-old suspect was taken into custody. Investigations are underway into both incidents.
The violence also extended to police vehicles. In the early hours of the new year, a police car was set on fire in the vicinity of the Witboomstraat and Van der Loostraat in Veen. After the explosion, officers were bombarded with fireworks, and the Mobile Unit (ME) was called to restore order.
The disturbances were not limited to just fireworks-related violence. Police in several regions were involved in violent confrontations, with some officers being targeted with fireworks and other forms of aggression. In Amsterdam, officers fired warning shots after they were attacked in the central square.
