Gunman goes on deadly shooting spree in EU city

A medical student opened fire in an apartment building and a hospital in Rotterdam

A 32-year-old medical student has been apprehended by Rotterdam police after allegedly gunning down three people at an apartment and a downtown hospital, marking one of the deadliest shooting incidents in a country where such violence is uncommon.

The shooting spree began on Thursday afternoon at an apartment building near the suspect’s residence, where he shot a 39-year-old woman and her 14-year-old daughter, police said. The woman died at the scene, while the girl passed away after being rushed to a hospital.

The gunman, who wore a bulletproof vest and combat fatigues, then shot and killed a 43-year-old professor in a classroom at the Erasmus Medical Center, where he was a student, Rotterdam Police Chief Fred Westerbeke told reporters. The shooter then allegedly set fires at both crime scenes and was eventually captured by police under the hospital’s helipad. Police have neither identified the suspect nor have they speculated on his motive.

“We see his act as a targeted action, but it requires further research to gain clarity about how and why,” Westerbeke said. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte posted a statement saying there was “great dismay after the dramatic events in Rotterdam.” Rotterdam Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb called the turn of events “a black day.”

Hoy en Rotterdam, Holanda