30 Masked Gunmen Descended on a Tiny Dutch Village.. What Happened in OVERASSELT?

On September 1, 2026, the quiet Dutch village of Overasselt became the scene of an extraordinary armed attack when around 30 masked men approached a property on Ewijkseweg. Private security guard Berry Leenders, 51, was killed, and two responding police officers were wounded by gunfire. A massive manhunt followed across fields, motorways and nearby towns, eventually leading to 35 arrests involving suspects from several European and North African countries.

The mystery deepened when a threatening video surfaced accusing resident Jan G. Jr. of stealing 1,283 kilograms of cocaine, although police have not confirmed that claim as the motive. Dutch prosecutors are investigating murder, attempted murder, firearms offences and possible preparations for kidnapping or unlawful detention while authorities work to determine who organized the unprecedented Overasselt attack.