Netherlands sees surge in New Year’s violence

New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day saw significant incidents across the Netherlands and Germany, including a large fire at a historic church in Amsterdam and multiple fatalities related to fireworks. Dutch police reported an unusually high level of violence during New Year’s Eve celebrations.

New Year’s Eve Violence and Police Attacks

Police in the Netherlands reported being targeted with fireworks and experiencing an “unprecedented amount of violence” on New Year’s Eve. The head of the Dutch Police Union, Nine Kooiman, stated she was personally targeted by fireworks during her shift in Amsterdam. Reports of attacks against police and firefighters were widespread throughout the country. Petrol bombs were thrown at police in Breda, and in Rotterdam, the city’s eye hospital treated 14 patients, including 10 minors, for eye injuries; two patients required surgery.

Fatalities Related to Fireworks

Two separate fireworks incidents resulted in fatalities. A 17-year-old boy from Nijmegen and a 38-year-old man from Aalsmeer were killed. In Bielefeld, Germany, local police reported that two 18-year-olds died after setting off homemade fireworks.

Fire at the Vondelkerk

A fire broke out at the Vondelkerk in Amsterdam in the early hours of New Year’s Day. The 19th-century church, built in 1872 and overlooking Vondelpark, is a popular tourist attraction. The 50-meter tower of the church collapsed, and authorities reported significant damage to the roof, although the main structure is expected to remain standing. The neo-Gothic basilica was designed by architect Pierre Cuypers, who also designed the Rijksmuseum. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Fireworks Sales and Upcoming Regulations

According to the Dutch Pyrotechnics Association, a record €129 million was spent on fireworks in the Netherlands this year. A ban on unofficial fireworks is scheduled to take effect in 2026.