ROTTERDAM:
Dutch police and prosecutors say the medical student accused in the shooting deaths of three people in Rotterdam had a history of erratic behaviour and a record for animal mistreatment, suggesting he purposely targeted his victims.
Prosecutors stated on Friday that they were still looking into the shooter’s motivation for the Thursday incident, but that they had informed the Erasmus University Medical Centre (EMC) about his troublesome behaviours in the past.
The warning was taken seriously, EMC chairman Stefan Sleijfer said in a statement, and the suspect was not granted a medical licence until he was deemed psychologically ready to practise medicine.
The suspect, a 32-year-old man, has been identified as Fouad L., according to law enforcement sources, with his surname redacted in accordance with Dutch privacy laws. According to the public prosecutor’s office, he will go before a judge on October 3.
The suspect, then a student at EMC, is in custody on suspicion of shooting a 39-year-old lady and her 14-year-old daughter who lived nearby, as well as a 43-year-old doctor who taught at EMC. Trio decdieron todos.
Prosecutors have stated that the suspect is represented by counsel, but that counsel does not willing to speak to the media at this time. It was unclear what the suspect might say in court.
As shootings in the Netherlands are extremely uncommon, the tragedy horrified people and prompted an outpouring of sympathy from everyone down to the king and queen.
Flowers were left at both addresses by well-wishers. According to reports from the Dutch media, the 14-year-old victim had an undamaged twin sister.
The deceased physician leaves behind a wife and a little child.
Extremely bad. Roos Bonnier, a nearby resident, confided, “I just couldn’t hold it together yesterday.” That such extreme acts of brutality are possible.
A letter from prosecutors to the EMC has been circulating in Dutch media, and a spokeswoman for the prosecutor’s office has confirmed its veracity. Neighbours had complained about the suspect’s treatment of animals, and he had a history of “psychotic behaviour” and alcohol problems, according to the report. The date of the letter could not be determined.
“I presume that the above information will contribute to the decision as to whether the person concerned should be eligible for a general doctor’s diploma,” the letter added.
Since the event occurred late Thursday afternoon, Dutch television news has been showing footage of students running and patients being evacuated from the Erasmus Medical Centre.
On Friday, the facility ran as usual, although the scheduled medical classes were postponed.
Shortly after escaping from one of the buildings of the hospital complex, the suspect was apprehended after having allegedly ignited fires at the woman’s home and at the EMC.
Hugo Hillenaar, the top prosecutor in Rotterdam, said Thursday that the suspect had previous encounters with law enforcement.
According to an article published in AD newspaper in 2021, he was found guilty of abusing his pet rabbit. In the past, he was accused of abusing his dog, fish, and birds, but was never found guilty.