"Horrific," Utrecht mayor says about man in wheelchair set on fire; Not random target

A man in an electric wheelchair who was set on fire in Utrecht on Tuesday afternoon was not selected at random by the suspect, a police spokesperson told RTV Utrecht. The investigation indicates that this is not a case of the victim being “in the wrong place at the wrong time,” the spokesperson said. Utrecht mayor Sharon Dijksma spoke of a "horrific form of violence." Justice Minister David van Weel said the attack "crossed all boundaries."

The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. on Smaragdplein. A man walked up to the wheelchair-bound man and set him on fire. Bystanders pulled the victim out of the wheelchair and tried to extinguish the flames. The man sustained serious burns and was taken to the hospital. Locals said that the victim is a man who has no legs. He is well-known in the neighborhood.

The police arrested a suspect some time after the attack. The police spokesperson could not comment on the identity of the arrested man. According to the police, the attack likely formed part of an “interpersonal conflict” between the victim and suspect. The investigation is ongoing, and more arrests may follow.

Utrecht mayor Sharon Dijksma reacted with shock to the incident, speaking of a “horrific” form of violence. “Because the victim could not get away, the impact is possibly even greater,” she said. “First and foremost, it is horrific for the victim, and my deepest sympathy goes out to him.”

The incident occurred in the middle of a crowded square. “This event has also made a deep impression on the bystanders who saw it happen,” Dijksma said. “It goes without saying that everyone is extremely shocked.” Victim support is available for anyone who needs it.

Minister David van Weel of Justice and Security said on X that what happened in Utrecht was “terrible” and “crossed all boundaries.”