That was so sad. Why do you think he would such a thing on purpose. Papers say he was a quite man, maybe it was some type of revenge or could have been just a very sad accident

By Sarah | May 1, 2009 9:19 AM

Eens day yesterday at Apeldoorn, Holland. Car attack upon the buss where in the Royal family was driving.
The car missed the bus and drove upon a statue. We all are astonished, scarried..
Love, Henk

By Henk Stasse | May 1, 2009 10:21 AM

I am very surprised to see something like this happen, I always assumed that the Dutch Royal Family was well received, I will have you (the Dutch)in my thoughts as I cross back to states, even with the crazy events that happened in the East, I still had a great time here, thanks, and good luck

By James M Taft | May 1, 2009 10:27 AM

Naturally, condolences to victims and their relatives, its a very unfortunate day for the Netherlands and its Royal family. The questions which the news reporter should ask on behalf of the public are ?
1. Where were the police personnel who were suppose to oversee the whole event ?
2. Where were the security personnel ?
3. Its regretable that the focus is subjectively on imaginary threats from non-dutch or non-caucasians dutch citizens, and as a direct result the police and security personnel tend to overlook the the potential threats from their own kind. The Lessons to be learnt from this unfortunate and tragic event, are that in future the security and police personnel should focus their attention on all threats (including their own kind) and not just focus only on imaginary threats in the relms of hollywood and TV movies (illconceived by or by fancy speculation during office-overtime/pub happy-hours), and unjustifiably contributed to innocent non-dutch and non-caucasian citizens. Imaginary misguided suspicion and mistrust among international communities in the same society is counterproductive and also not healthy in the longterm for the common progress of any society.

By Small Brother | May 1, 2009 11:57 AM

It is really sad to hear this. I just want to send some positive words to our neighbours and to the families of the victims. Don't change anything - please stay as you are. If I hear such a bad news I really feel sad as a european - not as a german. Peace and love to NL.

By Jan Schneider | May 1, 2009 12:13 PM

He must have been very ill, he recently lost his job and home, according to the news, maybe it pushed him over the edge. It does not change the fact that he did a terrible thing and it is inexcusable. My heart goes out to all the families who lost someone in this tragedy.

By Mrs Peters | May 1, 2009 12:25 PM

Hello folks...I'm not surprised what happend yesterday there are a lot a frustrated people in NL!! The RF is naive to sit in a open bus like that anything could have happend!! I heared my dutch buuren talking and again infront of there kids " terrorists" those poor kids have to deal with all of it why all the time infront of there kids???
Glad it was a dutch man not a foreigner so dutch people can see not all foreigners are " terrorist".
It's sad that this fun day was ruined by a nutter a wake up call for the RF for the future yes it's sad...

By Minnie | May 1, 2009 1:01 PM

Small Brother - You would have to have unbelievable amounts of security to stop something unforeseen like this from happening. The road itself was closed off, the public was kept behind barriers, police were everywhere.

You ask what the police did - it can be clearly seen on the video footage. Within seconds of the car coming to a stand still police where around it, member of the AIVD closed in on the bus and you see the Royal family all sit down at the same time (which suggests someone was giving them instructions). Members of the AIVD can then be seen clearing people away from the scene as it wasn't clear that there would be no explosives in the car, with seemingly total disregard for there own safety. In the photos you even see plain clothed members of the secret service who appear from out of the crowd (man in jeans and yellow t-shirt is one of the first to arrive at the scene and can be seen with his hand on a gun under his shirt).

I'm sorry, but to suggest that the police in some way could have prevented this is grossly unrealistic and insulting to the people who were potentially risking their lives at the scene.

By Geuzen76 | May 1, 2009 1:33 PM

Condolences to all who have suffered in this tragedy, especially the closest involved and also the Dutch people as a whole. I've lived here for less than two years (I'm from California) and was so delighted to see the royal family among the people for events such as this one. I can't imagine what is going through the Queen's mind as well as the rest of the royal family's. Kind and healing thoughts be with everyone during this difficult and shocking time.

By Cathy | May 1, 2009 1:39 PM

I am sure that they will reconsider their security procedures now but security was low by most esp USA standards. 1. Concrete barriers not metal. 2. Convoy vehicles in protection pattern to block in approaching offenders. 3. The family should have been shielded instantly below deck. Valuable time lost communicating the approach. Just a few precautions that come to mind.

By john | May 1, 2009 2:11 PM

I could not believe it when I saw the News in N.Z. It should not have happend to the Royal Family where was their security.

By nan | May 1, 2009 11:26 PM

I want to send my thoughts and sympathy to all families involved in this tragic event. I also want to send my love to the man who caused this tragedy, family. For them, it must be just as confusing and tragic as those who lost there loved ones. Don't forget that he was someones son, and more than likely, loved and cherished. I am in no way condoning his actions, but just thinking on the other side of the wall. To his family, and to of the others involved: Australia sends love.

By Cobie | May 6, 2009 1:16 PM

We want to send our thoughts as well to the families involved in this tragic event.
On April 23rd 2009. Myself along with a few school teachers felt lead to pray for Holland. Exactly one week later,God spared the life of the Royal family. Our prayers and love for families of this tragedy will not be forgotten. Pastor Leroy Ware

By Leroy Ware | June 9, 2009 2:54 PM