Second teen arrested in investigation into De Pizzabakkers explosions in Amsterdam

The police arrested a 17-year-old boy in Amsterdam on Tuesday morning in connection with their investigation into the string of explosions that occurred at De Pizzabakkers restaurants in the city. The teen is suspected of involvement in an attempted explosion at one of the pizza chain’s locations on the Plantage Kerklaan during the late evening of September 2 and early morning of September 3.

The exact role the 17-year-old played in the attempted attack is still under investigation. Officers had already arrested a 14-year-old boy in connection with the same incident. He is suspected of placing the explosive at the scene, though it did not detonate.

There have been several explosions or attempted explosions at De Pizzabakkers locations in Amsterdam in recent weeks. In addition to the restaurant on the Plantage Kerklaan, locations on the Overtoom and Haarlemmerdijk were also targeted.

This led the city of Amsterdam to order all four locations to close for six months. According to the municipality, the decision stemmed from public-order concerns, with officials warning that similar incidents could occur again.

The Amsterdam district court has since ruled that the restaurants on the Plantage Kerklaan and the Haarlemmerdijk may reopen. The judge found that one location lacked sufficient evidence to justify a prolonged closure, while another would gain “no additional benefit” from remaining closed, even though it had previously suffered damage.

The motive behind the attacks remains unknown, and officials have yet to offer a clear explanation for why De Pizzabakkers has been singled out. According to people familiar with the matter, the founders of De Pizzabakkers reportedly said they find it hard to imagine “that someone would hate them to such an extent.”