A large number of police officers are present on Leidseplein in Amsterdam because of an armed robbery and hostage taking at the Apple Store. AT5 and report that The Parool Tuesday evening. on images can also be seen that someone in the store is being held at gunpoint.
Eyewitness Max Wind was walking past the Apple Store around 6 p.m. when he thought he heard “fireworks,” he says NRC† Other eyewitnesses report that shots were fired. “Then I saw a security guard run out with a phone to his ear. He panicked and yelled that he needed the police.” Wind looked in and saw someone with a balaclava on and a pistol in his hand walking towards the cash register.
Police say there is “someone with a firearm” in or near the store after a report was received earlier in the day. It is not yet known whether it is one or more possible robbers. Wind has seen one person with a weapon and balaclava, other eyewitnesses speak of two.
The police have cleared Leidseplein, people in surrounding buildings must stay inside and are not allowed to stand in front of the windows. There is also a police helicopter circling above the square.
POL_Amsterdam Amsterdam Police Unit Update: there is someone with a firearm in/near the shop in question, the police are on site with many (specialist) units to get the situation under control. https://t.co/GdAvwNqS5o
Due to a report at a shop on Leidseplein, police are now deployed there. More information will follow via this Twitter channel.
— Amsterdam Police Unit (@POL_Amsterdam) February 22, 2022