Hospital Alerted to ‘Psychotic’ Suspect in Rotterdam Shootings

Dutch prosecutors had prior knowledge of the gunman responsible for a deadly shooting spree in Rotterdam and had issued a warning to the hospital where he eventually carried out one of the attacks, according to an email correspondence that has come to light.

Fouad L, a 32-year-old individual, had displayed signs of “psychotic behavior,” as detailed in the email sent by the Dutch public prosecution service to the teaching hospital where he was a student. The message outlined concerns about his conduct, including an incident where he was found “half-naked in the garden on a pile of leaves.” Prosecutors even suggested that his behavior might influence the hospital’s decision on granting him a medical diploma.

The suspected gunman himself posted this email on a web forum, expressing frustration over what he perceived as teachers “sabotaging” his progress. In his online communication, he described himself as an alcoholic and claimed that he had been dismissed from his medical studies because he was unable to complete his degree.

The investigation into animal cruelty, for which he had previously been convicted, led prosecutors to discover disturbing images on his phone, including depictions of people being stabbed and right-wing extremist content.

The shooting spree began when Fouad L allegedly shot a woman, aged 39, and her 14-year-old daughter at their home in central Rotterdam before setting fire to the building. While reports suggest that the woman had reported the gunman to authorities before, this detail has not been officially confirmed by the police.

He then proceeded to the Erasmus Medical Center, where he killed a 43-year-old male lecturer and ignited a fire that caused significant damage to the hospital. A massive police operation, including an elite police unit and helicopters, led to his arrest outside the hospital.

The city of Rotterdam and the Netherlands as a whole have been left shocked by these violent events, with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte expressing condolences to the victims and their families while Rotterdam’s mayor, Ahmed Aboutaleb, described the incident as a “pitch-black day” for the city.

Fouad L is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing.

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