Amsterdam mayor closes restaurant after four shootings in one week

In one week, four shootings occurred in a residential square in northern Amsterdam targeting local businesses, throwing the scene into chaos.

On Saturday evening, a fishmonger on Waterlandplein was attacked for the second time, six days after it was damaged by a first shooting on August 12. No one was injured in the incident.

A neighboring diner was attacked on Wednesday and Friday nights, forcing Acting Mayor Hester van Buren to order the restaurant closed for six months.

Police believe the actual target of the shooting was the diner and that the fishmonger’s shop, which remained open, was mistakenly shot at, though at least 10 bullets were fired at its windows in the latest attack.

“I’m not prepared to take any risks at this point,” Van Buren said, adding that the safety of the community is the top priority.

The square is located in the northern suburbs of the capital, between the IJ river and the A10 ring road.

Local residents were confused by the sudden outbreak of violence. “I don’t understand,” said one man. told local news broadcaster AT5“It’s a very quiet area, and then we get this.”

In one Statement issued after Wednesday’s attackThe city council said Van Buren made the decision to close the cafe after consulting police to ensure the safety of local residents.

“The shooting incident at the restaurant posed a serious threat to the safety of local residents and passers-by,” the commission said. “This incident could have resulted in loss of life, especially given that there are people living above the restaurant. The restaurant is located in a busy shopping district, which is also relevant to this.”