False bomb threat by confused man triggered evacuation of The Hague City Hall
The man who caused a commotion in The Hague City Hall earlier today had made a false bomb report. He is a 28-year-old from the city. The police classify the man as having “unexplained behaviour,” which is often given to a person in a confused state. His identity has not been disclosed publicly for privacy reasons,
At approximately 11:20 a.m., the man walked into The Hague City Hall on Spui with a backpack and informed security personnel that he was carrying a bomb.
Security staff immediately alerted emergency services, including calling the emergency services number 112. Police then evacuated the entire city hall and the neighbouring Central Library, while surrounding streets were cordoned off. Hundreds of municipal employees, visitors, and café terrace patrons were forced to leave the area quickly.
Members of the Special Intervention Service (DSI) and police negotiators spoke with the man, who reportedly cooperated with authorities. At the instruction of police, he removed his clothing down to his underwear and socks so officers could verify that he was not carrying explosives on his body. He was later taken away while blindfolded.
The abandoned backpack was examined by the Explosives Reconnaissance Team, which found no explosives or other hazardous items inside.
Once the backpack had been cleared as safe, police reopened the city hall, the library, and nearby streets at 12:30 p.m. exactly.
The situation lasted slightly more than an hour overall. Mayor Jan van Zanen commended the security personnel and emergency responders for their rapid and professional handling of the incident. Victim Support services were also brought in for witnesses distressed by the large police operation.
