A tragic incident unfolded Friday morning in Leiden, a Dutch university city, where a stabbing at a church-operated aid center resulted in the death of one individual and left two others wounded, one critically. The attack occurred shortly before 9:30 a.m. when a man entered the former bakery building in the city's historic center, which now houses various aid organizations. Police reported that the man stabbed three people before fleeing the scene. The motive behind the attack remains unclear.
A 66-year-old man succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The other two victims were transported to a hospital for treatment. Bert Verweij, chairman of the center, informed regional broadcaster Omroep West that the victims included a staff member, a volunteer, and an individual working for one of the organizations operating within the center. The facility provides support to a range of vulnerable individuals, including those experiencing homelessness, migrants, and asylum seekers.
Law enforcement has launched an investigation and is urging the public to assist in locating the suspect. However, they cautioned against approaching the individual. He is described as having dark skin, short hair, a beard, and a head wound. Authorities have not released further details about the suspect or the ongoing investigation.
