The Public Prosecution Service (OM) in Northern Netherlands has decided that several police officers acted lawfully during a shooting incident on January 3, 2025, on a boat at Gideonweg in the City of Groningen. The police officers were called to the scene after a report that a man was aggressively waving a knife. According to the report, he was making stabbing motions towards others and had already stabbed someone.
Upon arriving at the boat, the police officers found a man displaying a knife, after which he was asked to put it down. When the man refused, he was tasered by a police officer. This had no effect. The man ran away, after which he was tasered again and fell. However, he quickly got back on his feet and made stabbing motions with his knife towards various police officers. They had to let him go. Immediately after, he approached them again with a knife. Several police officers then shot at him. Although the man was hit, he continued to walk, emptied a fire extinguisher, and set fire to the hallway of the boat. Ultimately, the man was subdued with the help of a dog handler on the deck of the boat and taken to the UMCG.
National Police Internal Investigations Department
As always in such situations, the National Police Internal Investigations Department conducted a fact-finding investigation into the actions of seven police officers in this case. This included interviewing several witnesses, reviewing footage, and utilizing forensic investigation. It was found that five police officers fired a total of 13 shots. The investigation also revealed that the man who was shot had multiple gunshot wounds, particularly in the legs and foot. Additionally, he had two gunshot wounds high in the abdomen.
Criminal Case
Further investigation shows that the man was under the influence of soft drugs. He also had significant psychological issues. In the criminal case against the man, which will take place on November 27, 2025, his personal circumstances will be addressed. He is suspected in that case of attempted manslaughter or attempted serious assault of three police officers, threatening other residents of the boat, and vandalism.
Chaotic Situation
This case is separate from the National Police Internal Investigations Departments investigation and the assessment of the police officers actions by the public prosecutor. The prosecutor concludes that the police officers felt seriously threatened. Additionally, there was a chaotic situation. In that situation, the police officers encountered a man who did not respond and had a wild and lifeless look in his eyes. Even the use of a taser twice and later even firearms seemed to have no effect on the mans behavior. The public prosecutor considers the use of tasers and firearms, as well as the deployment of the service dog, to be lawful.
Step Forward
The public prosecutor also realizes that at such risky moments, police officers are expected to step forward and make quick decisions. They did so here. Considering all circumstances, he concludes that the involved police officers acted in accordance with the use of force instructions.
