Gunman holds hostage during active Apple Store robbery in Amsterdam
Police are surrounding an Apple Store in Amsterdam following reports of an armed robbery in progress, during which videos shared on social media show a man being held hostage by a gunman in a balaclava.
The robbery started around 5:50pm local time at Apple Amsterdam in Leidseplein. Nearby stores have been closed and the area has been taped off as police manage the situation.
It is understood that two men in balaclavas stormed the Leidseplein Apple Store as part of an armed raid. The thieves were reportedly spotted by two nearby police officers and attempted to flee the scene. As the thieves were leaving, it is understood that one gunman grabbed a nearby bystander at gunpoint, with videos showing the gunman holding the hostage by his neck while waving a handgun.
Out of respect for those involved, The Apple Post will not be including footage of the hostage situation in this story.
Witnesses claim shots have been fired nearby, with specialist police units now outside the Apple Store as the situation unfolds.
Een freaking Bearcat richting de Apple Store! pic.twitter.com/wlfZwBZJaF
— Mascha de Jong 🪼 (@maschadejong) February 22, 2022
Police have shared a short statement about the active situation, asking people with a view of the Apple Store building to be cautious about publishing images or live streams, for the safety of those involved. Apple has not commented on the situation.
Update
Dutch police have confirmed that the hostage situation has now ended. The situation was declared over just before 10pm local time, with authorities reporting that “The hostage is safe” and the gunman has been disarmed and is in police custody.
Apple is yet to make any comment on the situation.