Tweede Kamer intruder planned terror attack, Prosecutors say

The 18-year-old man who entered the Tweede Kamer with a knife last Thursday has been charged with making threats and planning to commit murder with terrorist intent, the Dutch Public Prosecution Service (OM) confirmed. The suspect, a resident of Nijmegen, remains in custody after an examining magistrate ordered him to remain in pre-trial detention for up to 14 days.

The incident occurred around 6:45 p.m. when the suspect gained access to the main hall of the Tweede Kamer. Security footage reportedly shows the man acting in an “aggressive and determined manner,” according to the OM. Officials suspect he may have been planning an attack on someone inside the building.

Shortly after the suspect entered, security protocols were enacted, leading to a brief lockdown. One committee meeting was forced to suspend its hearing, and access to the building was restricted for approximately 20 minutes before a staff entrance was reopened.

The suspect managed to walk deep into the Statenpassage before reaching a hallway leading to smaller committee rooms. Security officers apprehended him more than 100 meters from the main entrance and handed him over to the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, who subsequently transferred him to police custody.

During the arrest, no one was injured. However, eyewitnesses reported hearing a security officer shout, “Everyone get out of here!” as the situation unfolded.

Authorities have not disclosed the suspect’s intended target, and his exact motives remain unclear. The OM stated that investigators are closely examining his psychological state as part of the ongoing probe.

“The available footage suggests this was the preparation for an attack on someone in the Tweede Kamer, which would have caused public fear,” an OM spokesperson said.