Police Presence at Utrecht Science Park

Update Monday, 8 September, 5 p.m.

The police have concluded their investigation into reports that someone with a firearm had been seen in a UU building. The investigation revealed that the person in question did not have a firearm with them and is therefore no longer a suspect.

Read the news article of the police (in Dutch)

On Friday 5 September, several buildings at Utrecht Science Park were closed early due to a police investigation following reports of a man carrying a firearm. The police investigation on site has now been completed; the police are still investigating the reports (Dutch only). The affected buildings will reopen from Saturday 6 September.

“We understand that colleagues and students were shocked,” says Anton Pijpers, President of Utrecht University’s Executive Board. “Especially when rumours appeared in the media suggesting someone had been seen with a firearm. I can well imagine that this may have been a frightening experience for staff and students in the buildings concerned.”

“We are pleased that the police immediately took the reports seriously and acted swiftly. We of course followed police advice throughout. The police consistently made decisions with everyone’s safety in mind, and saw no reason to close additional buildings early or to evacuate them. Following consultation with the police, our buildings can now reopen. This will be the case from tomorrow.”

For anyone who would like to talk about what happened or share their experiences, support is available:

  • Staff can contact the Staff Welfare Service team.

  • Students can use our guidance tool to find the right support service.

  • On Monday morning, 8 September, staff and students who feel the need are warmly invited for coffee and tea in the lobby of the Koningsberger Building to reflect together. You are welcome between 10am-noon.