Fifth arrest in synagogue explosion case as police expand investigation
A fifth suspect has been detained in connection with the explosion at a Rotterdam synagogue last week. Police are intensifying their search for evidence as concerns grow over potential further attacks on Jewish sites in the Netherlands.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of explosion | March 13, 2026 |
| Location | A.B.N. Davidsplein, Rotterdam |
| Fifth suspect arrested | 19-year-old man from Tilburg, March 19, 2026 |
| Previous arrests | Four men (ages 19, 19, 18, 17) from Tilburg, March 13, 2026 |
| Investigation team | Major Investigation Team (TGO) deployed |
| Police contact | 0900-8844 or Meld Misdaad Anoniem |
| Witness appeal | Public urged to share photos, videos, or tips |
The Dutch police are responsible for maintaining public order and investigating criminal acts, including hate crimes and terrorism-related incidents. In this case, they are leading a large-scale investigation to ensure the safety of religious communities and prevent further attacks.
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Update: Fifth suspect arrested following explosion at synagogue
On Thursday, March 19, a fifth suspect was arrested on suspicion of involvement in the explosion that occurred on Friday, March 13, at a synagogue on A.B.N. Davidsplein. The 19-year-old man was detained by the Parate Eenheid (Rapid Response Unit) at his home in Tilburg. His exact role in relation to the explosion is still under investigation.
Previous report:
Police arrested four men in the early hours of Thursday, March 12, to Friday, March 13, after an explosive device detonated at a synagogue on A.B.N. Davidsplein in Rotterdam. The suspects were detained near another synagogue. Around 3:40 a.m., an explosive device exploded at the synagogue on A.B.N. Davidsplein, causing a brief fire that extinguished on its own. No one was injured. Police immediately reviewed security camera footage and searched the area for the perpetrators. Synagogues in the vicinity were also monitored to prevent any further incidents.
Four arrests
Near one of these synagogues, a vehicle drew attention due to erratic driving. Officers decided to stop the vehicle. At the same time, a description of one of the suspects involved in the explosion at the A.B.N. Davidsplein synagogue was already known. The driver of the car matched this description. Police arrested the four individuals, all men aged 19 (two individuals), 18, and 17, from Tilburg.
Investigation
Police are conducting a large-scale investigation into this serious incident. A Major Investigation Team (Team Grootschalig Onderzoek, TGO) has been deployed, meaning a large team of detectives is working on the case. It remains unclear whether the suspects had planned to target another synagogue with explosives or arson. Due to the investigation, searches were conducted in the four homes of the suspects on Friday evening. On Saturday afternoon, further searches were carried out in the vicinity of the synagogue, including the use of a sniffer dog. It is not yet possible to disclose whether any items were found during the searches at the homes or in the street at this stage of the investigation. Police are also urging witnesses to come forward. Do you have information about the explosion that you have not yet shared with the police? Please contact the police using the options below.
Contact the police
0900-8844
Respond online
- Meld Misdaad Anoniem
- Report anonymously by phone or online
- Submit a tip via the form
- You can also attach photos or videos