3 Killed As Student Gunman Opens Fire At University Hospital In Netherlands' Rotterdam

The gunman shot a local woman and her daughter in their home, after which he entered a classroom at Rotterdam's University Hospital and opened fire on a male teacher.

At least three people were killed after a gunman opened fire at a university hospital in Rotterdam, Netherlands, on Thursday. The gunman shot a local woman and her daughter in their home, then entered a classroom at Rotterdam's University Hospital and opened fire on a male teacher, as reported by the news agency Reuters.

According to the police, the 32-year-old suspect, a university student, shot dead a 39-year-old woman who lived in his neighbourhood and shot her 14-year-old daughter. The girl succumbed to her injuries in the hospital. The gunman went to the Rotterdam Medical Centre University Hospital after setting the woman's house on fire and shooting dead a 43-year-old teacher, Reuters reported. The man was arrested near the hospital, where he also started a fire. His motive was unknown.

In the footage that emerged, a man can be seen in camouflaged clothing being taken from the hospital building in handcuffs, as per BBC. In one video, police were seen instructing students to run outside as heavily armed arrest teams arrived at the scene, as per Reuters. Police also stated that there were no indications of a second shooter.

A security guard said that he was first on the scene. He told the BBC it was a "shocking" day. "It was terrible, terrible," he said, visibly shaken and not wanting to give his name. He also stated that the gunman had not entered the medical centre through the main entrance.

"We have been shocked by a horrible incident. Shots were fired in two different places in the city. Many people witnessed it," Rotterdam Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb said, as quoted by Reuters. "Emotions in the city are very high. My condolences go out to the victims." Rotterdam's chief prosecutor Hugo Hillenaar said: "The suspect was known to law enforcement and in 2021 he was prosecuted and convicted for animal abuse," as quoted by Reuters.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte wrote in a post on social media: "My thoughts go out to the victims of the violence, their loved ones and to all the people who have been in great fear."