FBI intercepts messages from man from Drachten about attack on Leeuwarden town hall

According to the Public Prosecution Service, the man threatened officials and police officers with a terrorist offense on December 28 and 29, 2022.

“Bomb the city office on January 2, 2023 at 2:45 PM,” he had written in English in the chat on streaming service Twitch. “And I’ll kill as many as I can.”

Lifted from his bed

He also mentioned that he wanted to kill as many police officers as possible with ‘a so-called shotgun with a sawn-off barrel’ and that he planned to join IS.

The American intelligence service FBI intercepted the message on December 29 and that night the suspect was taken from his bed by the police. Several racist texts were also found on his phone.

‘Take messages seriously’

According to public prosecutor Arjen Polstra, these types of messages must be taken seriously: “In some cases they are actually carried out.”

According to him, such anonymous texts can be quickly spread on the internet and thus cause fear in society.

‘A big stupidity’

During the criminal hearing on Tuesday, the suspect expressed remorse. “I have committed a great stupidity.” According to the Drachtster, it was foolishness. Moreover, he had been considerably under the influence of alcohol.

Lawyer Arthur Scholtmeijer found, among other things, that there was far too little evidence that his client had posted the messages. For example, no prints were made of the chats.

‘No serious intentions’

According to the lawyer, the FBI itself indicated that the tip could not be used in a courtroom and therefore could not be used as evidence.

Streaming service Twitch offers the option to chat during a shooting game. According to his counsel, the Drachtster had done this without serious intentions.

‘Explanation insufficient’

“Stupid talk,” the Drachtster told the police. The lawyer found that statement alone insufficient for a conviction and therefore argued for acquittal.

Pronunciation: May 1