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European RoyalsSweden

Swedish King sends condolences to Dutch Monarch after Utrecht incident

King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden has sent his condolences to King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands after the shooting in Utrecht:

His Majesty said: “The Queen and I have, with profound sadness, followed the news of the brutal tram shooting in Utrecht yesterday. We extend our sincere condolences and our heartfelt sympathies to the families of the victims and to the people of the Netherlands.”

On the morning of the 18th of March, three people were killed and seven were injured after a shooting on a tram in Utrecht. After the suspect fled the scene, a day-long police manhunt begun which ended with the arrest of a 37-year-old man from Turkey. On Tuesday, another man was arrested by the authorities.

The police also confiscated a red Renault Clio in connection with the attack. They did not find any connection between the shooter and the three victims but they suspect terrorism as the motive, based on the note found in the getaway car.

After the attack, the threat level was raised to level 5 which is the maximum and was reduced to level 4 after the suspect was caught. Police numbers were increased at airports and the bigger train stations. For the rest of the day, public transport was suspended.

An official statement was issued by King Willem-Alexander read:

“We are deeply saddened that three people died in an attack in Utrecht and others were seriously injured. We sympathize intensely with the victims and their families. Violent acts such as these are completely unacceptable. Let us stand united and stand together for a society in which people can feel safe and in which freedom and tolerance prevail. We would like to thank all the care providers who are currently working for those affected. In our thoughts we are with the residents of Utrecht.”

After the attack, leaders from around the world expressed their support including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, US Foreign Minister Mike Pompeo, French president Emmanuel Macron and also the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.