19-year-old who entered parliament with knife faces mostly suspended prison term

The Public Prosecution Service on Wednesday recommended a two-year prison sentence, with 19 months conditionally suspended, for a 19-year-old man from Nijmegen who entered the Dutch Parliament building with a knife in February. “This attacks the heart of democracy,” the prosecutor said. The prosecution also recommended 240 hours of community service.

The prosecutor described Tijn B. as having committed “very serious criminal offenses” while also being “a highly vulnerable suspect.” Experts have diagnosed him with autism spectrum disorder, and he struggles with depression, suicidal thoughts, and an alcohol use disorder.

Although the prosecutor deemed it undesirable for B. to serve more time in prison, they still requested community service alongside the suspended sentence “to ensure accountability for his actions.”

On February 13, B. walked into the Tweede Kamer, the lower house of Dutch parliament, with a kitchen knife hidden in his coat. Moments earlier, he had discarded his personal belongings, including his ID, phone, and keys, into the pond outside.

Inside, he reportedly threatened a hostess with the knife, saying, "Let me in or I’ll stab you." The woman described feeling "terrified and powerless," according to her attorney. B. then leaped over the security barriers and ran through the hall, waving the knife.

B. told investigators he had hoped the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee would shoot him dead. “I wanted to die in a way that would be remembered, at the most important place in the country,” he said.

During the hearing, he stated that he no longer wishes to die and expressed remorse. Prosecutors said there’s no evidence that B. intended to kill anyone, but it’s clear he meant to issue threats with his knife.

B.’s actions forced a committee meeting to be paused, and all attendees were moved to a safe room. The plenary asylum debate had already been suspended. B. said he did not intend to disrupt the meetings and denied any terrorist motive. “I am against all violence and regard democracy as far too valuable to interfere with,” he said.

While his phone contained images of politicians and he showed an interest in politics, prosecutors emphasized that there is no indication his act was ideologically motivated.

B.’s attorney requested that he be acquitted of all charges except the one for threatening the hostess. The court is set to announce its ruling on October 29, which, coincidentally, is the date for the parliamentary elections.