Police search for suspect in two fires during Pride Amsterdam
The police are searching for a man accused of two arson incidents during Pride Amsterdam on August 2. The police shared footage of the man who allegedly lit a fire inside a dressing room in Amsterdam Centraal, which was meant as a safe space for Pride visitors to get changed.
Surveillance footage shows him sitting on a bench next to the changing room, igniting the cabin curtain, and walking away swiftly. NS staff and bystanders quickly put out the fire, preventing major damage.
Earlier that day, the man had also started a fire on a train traveling from Utrecht Centraal to Amsterdam Centraal. He set a seat in the interconnection area ablaze and disembarked when the train reached Amsterdam. Authorities have connected both fires to the same suspect, describing the case in their official report as “two fires, one suspect.”
Police have issued clear and identifiable surveillance images of the man and are asking the public for help in recognizing him. Reports describe him as a man, estimated to be a young adult to middle-aged, with a slim to average build and average height, wearing a coat or jacket and casual clothing.
He is captured on video setting fire to the curtain/divider of the Pride changing room with a burning newspaper before quickly leaving the scene.
So far, the suspect has not been taken into custody. Police are urging anyone with information to call the tip line at 0800‑6070 or Crime Stoppers at 0800‑7000, referencing case number 2025192682.
Authorities have not made any statements regarding a potential hate or anti-LGBTQI+ motive. For now, the investigation is concentrating on locating and arresting the suspect.
