Apple praises Amsterdam police over 'terrifying' hostage situation

Apple has thanked local authorities and its own staff "after this terrifying experience" with a hostage being taken at the company's Amsterdam Apple Store.

Following the successful resolution of the hostage situation, Apple has issued a statement thanking police and praising its own staff.

"We want to thank local law enforcement for their exceptional work and ongoing investigation," an Apple spokesperson said to multiple venues including AppleInsider. "Our teams and customers took swift action and showed incredible strength and resolve today, and we are so thankful for the support and care they've shown each other under such challenging circumstances."

Een freaking Bearcat richting de Apple Store! pic.twitter.com/wlfZwBZJaF
— Mascha de Jong (@maschadejong) February 22, 2022

The spokesperson described the situation, in which a foiled armed robbery attempt led to a bystander being taken hostage, as a "terrifying experience."

Reports of the situation were initially confused, with some accounts saying there were two men involved rather than one. Others said that the one hostage taker appeared to be wearing a bomb vest.

The incident ended when the hostage taker fled the Apple Store and was knocked over by a police vehicle.

Alleged hostage-taker being hit by police car in #Amsterdam. #leidseplein pic.twitter.com/PXzXFbU1Yq
— Lauren Comiteau (@LaurenComiteau) February 22, 2022

It's unclear whether Apple's spokesperson meant that the company itself was conducting an investigation. However, local law enforcement officers were reportedly searching the store following the resolution of the situation.

8 Comments

anoylla 39 comments · 7 Years

About 2 years ago

« Hostage taker Leidseplein is an Amsterdammer (27), demanded 200 million in crypto currency

The man who held people hostage for hours in the Apple Store on Leidseplein in Amsterdam is a 27-year-old Amsterdammer. He demanded 200 million euros worth of cryptocurrencies. The triangle of mayor, public prosecutor and police announced this at a press conference that was scheduled last night.

The man has a criminal record related to the Weapons and Ammunition Act. It is not known whether he was known to the GGZ. Police have now searched two homes. One of these is the suspect's home, he often stays in the other home. It is believed that he acted alone.

Upon entering the Apple Store, just after 5:30 p.m., the man immediately took someone hostage. Police say the victim is believed to be a foreigner, possibly British. Het Parool writes that it concerns a 44-year-old man from England. He was a customer in the store. "The suspect constantly had the hostage at gunpoint and threatened to blow himself up," said Amsterdam police chief Frank Paauw. "We had the impression that the suspect did not know exactly how many people were in the building."

Four people hidden in closet

During the hostage situation, the police managed to bring about 70 people who were present in the building to safety. Four people hid in a closet on the ground floor during the hostage situation. "They lived in fear for hours. We have arranged Victim Support for them. We are happy that everyone is safe," said Deputy Mayor Rutger Groot Wassink.

The hostage-taker himself contacted the police. Immediately after the arrival of the police, he opened fire on the police with an automatic weapon. Police say at least four shots were fired. In addition to an automatic weapon, he also had a handgun with him. He also wore a vest, which resembled a bomb vest.

At about 10:30 p.m., the hostage-taker asked for water. This was promised by the police, who sent a robot to bring the water. When the hostage-taker went out, his hostage ran. The hostage-taker followed and was hit by a car of the Special Interventions Service (DSI). He was then examined by a robot for explosives, which he turned out not to be carrying. The man was able to speak after the collision and was taken to hospital. It is not clear how he is doing.

These images show how the perpetrator and the hostage run out of the building. The assailant is then hit by a car. Attention, this video contains shocking images:

0:30

The hostage is overpowered on Leidseplein

"The driver of the DSI's car has responded adequately," said police chief Paauw. "Those are always terrible images, but given the situation we are happy that this happened. I want to express my appreciation for the police action."

Paauw also pointed out the important role of the man who was held at gunpoint for a long time and eventually fled. "The hostage has played a heroic role by ensuring a breakthrough. It could have been a long night otherwise."

'Another violent incident in the center'

"This has been a shocking event for the city," said Groot Wassink. "Just as the city is ready to open, there is another violent incident in the center of the city," he referred to the attack on Peter R. de Vries last summer, also near Leidseplein. Groot Wassink also praised the police's actions. Everyone involved has been rescued and "appear to be in good health".

Because the suspect was violently overpowered by the police, an investigation has been launched by the National Criminal Investigation Department. The driver of the police car was not regarded as a suspect in that investigation, but as a witness, Chief Public Prosecutor René de Beukelaer said.»

robin huber 4026 comments · 22 Years

About 2 years ago

American police could learn a lesson or two here. Overwhelming firepower is not the only way to resolve such situations. A Dutch police vehicle simply pulled him over. Well, pushed in this case. “Dankjewel for your cooperation.”

robin huber 4026 comments · 22 Years

About 2 years ago

I should add that having been hit by a police car, the perp would sue and get a big settlement. It’s what what we do here.

sflocal 6138 comments · 16 Years

About 2 years ago

robin huber said:

American police could learn a lesson or two here. Overwhelming firepower is not the only way to resolve such situations. A Dutch police vehicle simply pulled him over. Well, pushed in this case. “Dankjewel for your cooperation.”

If this happened in the US, people would criticize the police for using excessive force against a disadvantaged gunman.

I hope the police cruiser didn’t get scratched. Looked like a nice car. Shame if it did.