Amsterdam stabbing victims' conditions improving
The 73-year-old Belgian woman who was stabbed Thursday near Dam Square in Amsterdam is likely to have narrowly escaped death, according to AD. The knife wound, inflicted by a 30-year-old Ukrainian man, missed a crucial nerve in her lower back by mere millimeters, authorities confirmed.
The stabbing has drawn widespread international attention, partly due to the diverse nationalities of the victims. The Belgian woman remains hospitalized, along with three other victims, including two Americans, a Polish man, and a 19-year-old Dutch woman. A fifth victim, a 26-year-old Polish tourist, was discharged from the hospital and is no longer in the Netherlands. Police have confirmed that all victims are in stable condition and making gradual progress.
The Belgian woman, a resident of Turnhout, was visiting Amsterdam with her husband for a day trip when the attacker approached her from behind and stabbed her in the back. Her husband, who was walking ahead of her, heard her scream and turned around to find her on the ground. Despite the severity of her injuries, the woman remained conscious throughout the ordeal. The knife narrowly missed a vital nerve in her lower back.
Belgian media report that she is expected to be transferred from the UMC in Amsterdam to a hospital in Turnhout in the coming days. Her husband, who has been staying at a hotel in Amsterdam since the attack, continues to visit her but has declined to comment on the incident. The woman is known in her hometown as a beloved and active member of a local nature association.
The American victims, a 69-year-old man and his 67-year-old wife, were assisted by store security personnel at Nieuwendijk immediately after the attack. They are reportedly doing well under the circumstances. The U.S. Department of State is reportedly in close contact with the two American victims and their families. "We are closely monitoring the situation," a spokesperson said.
The 19-year-old Dutch woman, who was stabbed in the same area, is also still in the hospital. Local residents recognized her as she lives in the neighborhood. A photo obtained by Het Parool shows the knife handle protruding from her back. "Anyone on this street could have been hit. That’s terrifying," a local resident told AD.
In Poland, the Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed his condolences for the Polish victim. Media reports indicate that the man has since been discharged from the hospital.
The 26-year-old Polish man, who was visiting Amsterdam with a friend, has been discharged from the hospital. His companion confirmed that the man was not alone when attacked, shouting, “My friend has been stabbed!” in English.
Suspect to appear before a judge on Tuesday
The suspect, a 30-year-old man from Donetsk, a region of Ukraine currently occupied by Russia, is set to appear before a judge on Tuesday. The judge will decide whether he should remain in custody for up to 14 more days while the investigation continues. He faces a potential arraignment before a three-judge panel at a district court, which could extend his detention by up to 90 days. A public hearing on the status of the case is not expected until after July 1.
The motive behind the attack is still unclear. Authorities are investigating whether the incident had terrorist or criminal motivations. The Ukrainian man is reportedly cooperating with authorities but is under "complete restrictions," meaning he can only communicate with his lawyer at this stage. Police believe he acted alone during the attack. During his arrest, police found multiple IDs, which delayed their efforts to identify the attacker.
A British tourist has been widely praised for his actions in subduing the attacker before police arrived. The man, who has been described as modest and reluctant to seek attention, received significant recognition for his quick thinking and bravery. Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema awarded him a hero's medal. "He has no interest in fame and is primarily focused on the victims, for whom he feels responsible," Halsema stated.
