Hostage Situation Reported at Apple Store in Amsterdam [Updated]

Police officers are surrounding Apple Amsterdam in Leidseplein following reports that a gunman entered the store. A video shared on Twitter showed a man in a balaclava holding a gun while gripping a possible hostage, and Amsterdam police have confirmed that there is indeed a hostage situation.

apple amsterdam
People in surrounding buildings have been ordered to stay indoors, and the area around the store has been cordoned off. The attack happened at 5:40 p.m. local time, and Amsterdam police are not providing additional information to ensure the safety of all people involved.


More detail on what's going on can be sourced from local Amsterdam news sites such as Het Parool, De Telegraaf, NOS, and AT5, which are providing updates.

Update: Police have confirmed that several people that were being held hostage at the Amsterdam Apple Store have been freed. No other information has been shared. "Since the start of the hostage situation in the Apple Store on Leidseplein, several people have been able to leave the building. We do not want to share any information about the situation in and around the building at the moment."

Update 2: The remaining hostage is safe and the hostage taker is now in police custody.

Top Rated Comments

SD449 Avatar
17 months ago
Someone’s not happy about the lack of alternative payment options for dating apps
Score: 33 Votes (Like | Disagree)
aknabi Avatar
17 months ago

Glad I don't live in Amsterdam :(
Military experts and specialized enforcements have also arrived on scene. I sure hope everyone is safe out there!
I actually live a few minutes walk from the Apple Store... wow, didn't realize this was happening until I saw it here... I'll avoid being a douchy looky loo and heading there...

BTW Amsterdam is a very safe city... almost an order of magnitude more safe than any US city (and I've lived in SF, NYC, LA, PHX)... this is a once in a decade or more sort of thing! Terrible!
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYayAreaLiving ?️ Avatar
17 months ago
The gunman not going to get away with it. Hope everyone is safe out there.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
darcyf Avatar
17 months ago
Terrifying situation for anyone to find themselves in. I hope no one gets hurt.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
macduke Avatar
17 months ago
Probably took a hostage after they told him that he can't actually get any money because I don't think they usually take cash (or people don't often use it anymore, especially for expensive items) and the devices are locked down so you can't resell them. An Apple Store is among the worst places you could rob.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iPhonNick Avatar
17 months ago
According to AT5: Everyone is safe, and the hostage is safe too. The hostage taker is being inspected by a robot and at gunpoint.
It sounds like the hostage situation has ended safely! Let's hope it is!
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)