Overasselt attack: 35 arrested, weapons found — what it means for internationals in the Netherlands

A dramatic armed attack in the small Gelderland village of Overasselt has left one man dead, two police officers seriously injured, and 35 suspects in custody. The police have now concluded a massive search of the area, uncovering multiple weapons — including some in the nearby town of Wijchen after a tip from a resident. But for internationals living in the Netherlands, the question isn’t just who did what: it’s how this kind of organised crime affects your safety, your neighbourhood, and your understanding of Dutch policing.

What happened?

In the early hours of Tuesday 1 September, a group of at least 30 masked men — some carrying automatic rifles, according to security camera footage published by De Telegraaf — walked through the streets of Overasselt (a village south of Nijmegen). They stopped at the home of Jan G. Junior on Ewijkseweg. A 51-year-old security guard from Wijchen, who was stationed outside, was shot and killed. When police arrived, the group opened fire, seriously injuring two officers. Source: DutchNews.nl

Police responded with a massive deployment of the Mobiele Eenheid (ME) — the Dutch riot police, often called in for large-scale public order operations. Residents were ordered to stay inside their homes, a lockdown that was lifted on Thursday. The search covered Overasselt and surrounding areas, and on Wednesday police found additional weapons in Wijchen after a member of the public reported suspicious items. Source: NOS

Who is Jan G. Junior and why was his house targeted?

Jan G. Junior is not a random resident. According to RTL Nieuws, he has a long criminal record tied to the drug trade. In August 2019, a drug lab was discovered in a sea container on his property. In 2021, he was linked to an MDMA lab in Angeren, for which a court sentenced him to four years in prison earlier this year — but he appealed, so he is not in custody. He was also convicted of fraud in 2022, and in March 2026 he and his parents appeared in court on money-laundering charges (still ongoing). In June 2024, police found counterfeit money and illegal weapons on his property. Source: NL Times

Dutch media have connected Jan G. Jr to Jos “Bolle Jos” Leijdekkers, a major drug trafficker wanted in both the Netherlands and Belgium. A video surfaced on social media threatening Jan G. Jr and accusing him of stealing a shipment of cocaine. The attack is widely seen as part of a long-running drugs conflict. Source: DutchNews.nl

What does this mean for internationals?

For expats and internationals living in the Netherlands, this kind of news can be alarming — but it’s important to put it in context.

First, your safety: Overasselt is a small village, and this was a targeted attack linked to a specific criminal feud. The police have stressed that there is no general threat to the public. The lockdown was a precaution to allow officers to search safely. If you live in a quiet residential area, the chance of being caught in such a confrontation is extremely low. Still, it’s a reminder that organised crime exists even in the Netherlands, and that the police take it very seriously.

Second, the Dutch police response: The Mobiele Eenheid (ME) is not something you see every day, but it’s the standard tool for large-scale incidents. The fact that 35 suspects were arrested within 48 hours shows how quickly the police can mobilise. The investigation continues, and the police are asking anyone who finds suspicious objects to report them via the regular emergency number (112) or the non-emergency number (0900-8844). If you live in Gelderland, you might see increased police presence; that’s normal.

Third, your residence permit is not affected: This incident has nothing to do with immigration or residency rules. However, if you ever find yourself in a situation where you witness a crime or need to interact with the police, it’s good to know that the Dutch police have an English-language helpline (0900-8844, press 2 for English) and that you can always ask for an interpreter. Your status as an international does not change your rights or obligations.

What happens next?

The house on Ewijkseweg remains a crime scene. Police will continue their forensic investigation on Thursday and beyond. They are also checking whether the weapons found in Wijchen are linked to the attack. The 35 suspects are in custody, and the public prosecutor will decide on charges. Jan G. Junior himself has not been arrested — his appeal in the drug lab case means he is free for now, but the investigation may lead to new charges.

For residents of Overasselt, the hope is that Jan G. Junior will leave the village. As one local told NOS: “Zoveel ellende elke keer” — so much misery every time. Source: NOS

Practical takeaways

• If you see something suspicious (abandoned weapons, unusual activity), call 112 or 0900-8844.
• The police have an English-language line: 0900-8844, press 2.
• For updates on this case, follow local news from the politie or Omroep Gelderland.
• Remember: this was a targeted crime, not a random threat to the public.

The Netherlands remains a very safe country for internationals. Incidents like this are rare, but they do happen — and the Dutch police are well-equipped to handle them.