The 41-year-old man from Breda who was arrested last month after walking into the BNNVARA building in Hilversum with a firearm and a knife, targeted presenter Tim Hofman. He stated that he wanted to kill the presenter, the broadcaster announced on Monday.
BNNVARA staff was informed on Monday. VPRO and Human, which are located in the same building, have also been informed.
The man reported to security on the evening of September 6, after which the police were called. According to BNNVARA, no explosives were found, something that the weekly magazine Panorama suggested last week. The suspect had already been to the building earlier that day to arrange a meeting with Hofman through the reception. Since that had not worked, he returned in the evening.
The Public Prosecution Service says that the man is suspected of preparatory acts for murder, possession of a firearm and threats. “He is now in custody for that. The investigation is still ongoing, so it is a preliminary suspicion,” says a spokesperson. The first court hearing is expected to take place in mid-December. This is a so-called introductory session.
Hofman’s response
In a response on Instagram to a message from the Volkskrant about the case, Hofman said on Monday that he ‘had to swallow hard’ when reading that message. “But I’m just as happy that a bullet didn’t go through my forehead. I’m still alive.” His employer, BNNVARA, the editors of his program BOOS and people around him say they receive the presenter well.
Hofman cannot say anything about the man’s motives for wanting to kill him. He said he is exploring the possibilities of a broadcast with the editors of his program. A message that he deleted shortly afterwards.
The suspect is not a former employee or otherwise affiliated with BNNVARA or any other broadcaster. He was also not in Tim Hofman’s BOOS program.
Responses from BNNVARA and NPO
BNNVARA director Lonneke van der Zee says that the incident has made a great impression on the broadcaster. In a statement, she states that the first concern has gone out “to Tim, the security guard and reception employee in question and the BOOS editorial team. Naturally, the news about these events had a major impact. They have received the help needed to process this. “It is disgusting that we have had to deal with such a serious incident.”
The Dutch Public Broadcasting (NPO) said it was ‘extremely shocked’ by the event. “No one should be a victim of threats and violence. Journalists and program makers must always be able to do their work in complete freedom,” the NPO responds. The NPO does not make any statements about any measures taken as a result of the incident.
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