Man arrested for a planned attack on vaccination centre in Den Helder

A 37-year-old man from Den Helder was arrested on suspicion of plotting a bomb attack on a coronavirus vaccination site. 

The man allegedly wanted to cause an explosion at the former city hall of Den Helder — a place which is now being used as a vaccination site — using a firework bomb.

The police as well as the Public Prosecution Service regard the man’s actions as a terrorist offence. 

“With his actions, the defendant intended to terrify the population and to disrupt the economic and social structures of the country,” states the Public Prosecution Service on its website.

Hampering national vaccination program 

The man’s actions sabotage the Netherlands’ vaccination program. The attack would have had dire consequences for public health. 

“The fewer people that can be vaccinated, the more victims the virus will claim,” adds the Public Prosecution Service. The suspect was arrested on March 18. Yesterday, his pre-trial detention was extended by 90 days. 

This is not the first attack at a GGD location. Last month, there was an explosion at a coronavirus test street in North Holland. No one was injured, however, five windows were broken in the blast. 

How do you feel about this man’s action? Tell us in the comments below!

Feature Image: Dutchmen Photography/Shutterstock.com

Accuracy, clarity, and a touch of humour — that’s DutchReview. Read our editorial mission.

Jana Vondráčková 🇨🇿
Jana Vondráčková 🇨🇿
Originally from the Czech Republic, Jana moved to the Netherlands for her studies. Seven years in the flattest country in Europe has brought her a Masters in Environmental Management, experience in content creation, projects, partnership coordination, and about 20 ideas on how to deal with Dutch winter blues (most of which didn’t work). Her love for the local cycling culture is undying — but she finally knows better than to hop on a bike in a typical Dutch downpour.

2 COMMENTS

  1. this is very sad. I had to get tested at one of the testing centers, because I got sick last month, round the time when the explosions took place. Fortunately my result was negative, but it is terrifying to think what if the the explosion took place while my test was taking place. me and my partner could have died on the spot along with the innocent nurses on site. The govt needs to make good awareness about vaccine program and testing, knowledge is power and it is because of lack of knowledge, which is creating fear among such domestic terrorist.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Related posts

Latest posts

WorldPride Amsterdam 2026: your complete guide to parties, events, and the Canal Parade

For the first time ever, Amsterdam is hosting WorldPride, and it's turning the city into a nine-day rainbow from July 25 to August 8,...

9 podcasts that’ll have you speaking Dutch in no time

Want to learn Dutch but have difficulty making head or tail of the tongue-twisting sounds of the lowlands? Time to put on your headphones...

How to open a bank account in the Netherlands: the ultimate guide

You’ve moved to the Netherlands (or maybe you will soon), and it suddenly hits you — do you need to open a Dutch bank...

It's happening

Upcoming events