On March 18th, a gunman killed three people and wounded five others in a possible terrorist attack in Utrecht, Netherlands. The attack occurred at the 24 Oktoberplein-Zuid Train Station. The suspect, identified as 37-year-old Gӧkmen Tanis, was arrested.

  The Dutch police ordered all mosques to close; however, it was unclear whether the attack was specifically targeting someone or if it was a precaution in wake of the attack that killed 50 people and wounded 50 others in Christchurch, New Zealand.

  Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte mentioned that while the motives behind the attack are unclear, terrorism is a possibility.

  Rutte said, “Our nation was hit by an attack in Utrecht. If it is a terror attack then we have only one answer: our nation, democracy must be stronger that fanaticism and violence.”

  A second suspect, whose name has not been released, was arrested the following day. The alleged suspect was reportedly arrested after police found a note in the car that linked them to the attack.

  Russell Fukaye (11), aware of the situation, stated “It’s sad to see that so many people are dying from gun violence and terrorist attack, even though governments all across the world are trying to make their countries safer.”

  Police have not ruled out any other motives, including an act of terrorism. However, reports showed that it could have been a domestic dispute that evolved on the tram.

  Connor Venegas (11), a viewer of the news, said, “In a prominent environment, it’s hard to see another terrorist attack occurred three days after the terror attack in New Zealand. It’s just sad to see.”

  The anti-terrorism coordinator for the Utrecht police said that they have raised the terror threat to the maximum high of level five until they get more information whether there were more suspects.

  Netherlands’ neighboring country, Germany, has also doubled up on security near the Dutch-Germany border. Dutch officers were also told to look at major highways, minor roads, and railroad crossings.