On Wednesday night, three people were killed and five wounded in separate shootings that took place in the Dutch city of Utrecht. According to police, the first shooting happened at a tram stop in the morning, resulting in the death of one victim and the injury of three others. After the shooting, a second took place in the mid-afternoon, leaving two more dead.
Police have yet to release details as to why the shootings occurred, although they believe the first incident was the result of an argument between two groups of people that escalated. Both the second and third shootings have been linked to the first one, as shots were fired from the same car in both incidents.
The Dutch Government has responded to the situation with an official statement, which sad: The Dutch Government condemns the shooting incident in Utrecht in the strongest possible terms and expresses its deep sympathy and condolences with the victims. The Government recognises the feeling of confusion and fear that the attack has created in our country.
Authorities have deployed additional police and military personnel to Utrecht in response to the shootings, with the intention of bringing those responsible to justice with as much urgency as possible. That being said, witnesses have described the perpetrators as two men wearing face covers that made it difficult to identify them.
At present, the police task force is still investigating the shootings, and the Government has said that it will provide any necessary support to assist in finding those who are responsible for this terrible tragedy.
