The 41-year-old man from Breda who wanted to shoot Tim Hofman at the Mediapark in Hilversum on September 6, wanted to send a signal to society and especially to ‘extreme left’ people. The 35-year-old program maker has reported attempted manslaughter and murder. He says this in an episode of his online program BOOS, which appeared on Thursday afternoon.
In the almost 30-minute YouTube video, Hofman and his team say that they were shocked by the man who entered the BNNVARA building in Hilversum armed. That happened in the evening of September 6, after he had already been in this building that afternoon. He had a converted gas pistol, a knife, a cuddly toy and a pack of chewing gum with him.
The Breda resident has made a statement and Hofman has seen it. The program maker says that the suspect is said to suffer from ‘mental problems’. The man is divorced and has children with his ex-partner. According to Hofman, he converted to Islam. The man from Breda allegedly said that he came on behalf of the Islamic terrorist movement Al Qaeda, but that was mainly intended to ‘appear intimidating’.
Al Qaeda
“I have come to shoot Tim Hofman on behalf of Al Qaeda,” the Breda resident is said to have exclaimed. He himself claims not to be with Al Qaeda, but because Al Qaeda is Hofman’s enemy, this organization is ‘therefore’ his friend .
The 41-year-old suspect felt restricted in his freedom because Hofman allegedly told him not to call him ‘white’ but ‘white’. The suspect also called the program maker an ‘extreme left and woke danger to his children and the country’. The man later stated that he is happy that his attempt to kill Hofman was not successful: “It would cause unrest.”
Extra security
The Public Prosecution Service previously announced that the man is suspected of preparatory acts for murder, possession of a firearm and threats. The suspect must appear in court at the end of this year. The first introductory session will take place on December 20.
The broadcasting building in Hilversum, where Human and VPRO are also located, is now receiving extra security. An editor from BOOS says this in the program.
The episode of BOOS: