Dutch military police shot and disabled a man brandishing a knife at Schiphol Airport this afternoon and then promptly declared the airport ‘safe’, after the individual was restrained, arrested and taken away for hospital treatment and questioning.

 

Details still remain sketchy at press-time, although it is understood that the individual was acting in a threatening manner towards other passengers in the Schiphol Plaza public area and had not passed through into the airside zone – if this was his objective.

 

 

SCHIPHOL PLAZA EVACUATED

The area was promptly cleared after the man was reported to be acting in a threatening fashion. At the same time, military police appear to have contained the incident remarkably quickly, telling reporters that they had no information as to his motive for acting in such a manner. Their investigations continue.

As is well known, Schiphol Plaza in Schiphol Airport is a publicly-accessible area open to everyone and this is also where the airport’s arrival halls are located. It is also packed with retail outlets and F&B facilities, due to its high-density footfall.

 

In a brief statement, management at Schiphol Airport said this afternoon: “An incident occurred at Schiphol Plaza. The Royal Dutch Marechaussee [police-Ed] says they shot a man after he threatened with a knife.

 

“The suspect was captured and taken away. The Marechaussee has declared that the situation currently is safe. Schiphol Plaza was initially evacuated, but is open to the public again. Air traffic is not affected.”