Alarm in Rotterdam

Suspected Islamist stabs passers-by

Emergency services at the Erasmus Bridge, where the suspected Islamist stabbed passers-by(Bild: AP)

In Rotterdam, a suspected Islamist attacked passers-by with a knife on Thursday evening. One person died from their injuries and another was seriously injured.

According to the Dutch newspaper "De Telegraaf", the perpetrator allegedly attacked passers-by near the Erasmus Bridge in the center of Rotterdam. He is said to have held two large knives in his hands.

Witnesses at the scene reported that the arrested man was "clearly intent on hurting many people". According to their accounts, the suspected perpetrator allegedly stabbed a man who happened to be present and shouted "Allahu akbar". 

Emergency services at the Erasmus Bridge, where the suspected Islamist stabbed passers-by(Bild: AP)

Some Islamist extremists use the phrase "Allahu akbar" (God is great) as a battle cry. In doing so, they are effectively hijacking the central religious formula of Islam, which has been used by Muslims worldwide for centuries.

Fitness trainer overpowered perpetrator
A screen had been erected around the victim, the knifeman was overpowered by a civilian, a 32-year-old fitness trainer, and subsequently arrested.

According to a police spokesman, the riot probably began in a nearby parking garage. Another person was seriously injured there. Whether it was an Islamist attack is now part of the investigation.