Moroccan Arrested in the Netherlands for Stabbing of 11-Year-Old Girl in Broad Daylight

A 29-year-old dual Dutch-Moroccan national was arrested on Saturday after stabbing to death an 11-year-old schoolgirl in broad daylight in the Netherlands.

The attack occurred around 3 p.m. on Anemoonstraat in Nieuwegein, a small Dutch city in the Utrecht province.

The victim, the daughter of an Eritrean family, had been dropped off by her father for a playdate. However, when the playdate fell through, she was left outside alone, unknowingly in harm’s way.

Authorities confirmed there was no known connection between the child and her attacker and no motive has been established.

An 11-year-old boy witnessed the attack and ran to a nearby home for help, resulting in the swift dispatch of emergency services and a manhunt for the knifeman.

De Telegraaf reported that the suspect attempted to flee through backyards but was quickly apprehended with the help of local witnesses. Footage captured by a resident shows the suspect being taken into custody — a man with black hair, wearing a striped black-and-white shirt and dark pants

The girl, who had just celebrated her 11th birthday on Friday, was a student at De Tweeklank primary school. Two teenage girls who knew the victim expressed their disbelief, telling the Dutch newspaper, “It could have been any one of us.”

Neighbors report that the suspect had exhibited disturbing behavior for some time. One resident claimed that multiple reports had been made to authorities about his actions, including incidents in January and as recently as the day before the attack.

“The police were called several times, but nothing happened. Just days ago, he was chasing someone’s brother. It’s terrifying,” they said.

“You tell your child to go outside and enjoy the nice weather instead of sitting behind a screen and then this happens. It’s unthinkable,” added another resident, Bianca.

A police spokesperson acknowledged reports about prior complaints but could not confirm their validity, insisting they would be reviewed as part of the investigation.

Local mayor Marijke van Beukering described the attack as “a nightmare” and a “dark day for our town.” She extended her condolences to the girl’s family and emphasized that the municipality would offer support to those affected.

“We are deeply shocked by what has happened here. This is a nightmare scenario, not just for the family but for the entire community,” said van Beukering. “Our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones, and we will ensure support is available for those who need it.”

Authorities have arranged victim support services for residents traumatized by the event.

Initial reports mistakenly identified the suspect as a Syrian national, leading to a strong reaction on social media. Geert Wilders, leader of the Netherlands’ largest party, Party for Freedom (PVV), posted online:

“So, it was a Syrian who killed an 11-year-old girl. It’s time for an asylum stop and to return Syrians. The Netherlands will be completely destroyed here.”

Wilders later corrected his statement upon learning the suspect was of Moroccan descent.