According to Dutch authorities and media reports, a night-time shooting at a farm in Overasselt, Gelderland, resulted in the death of 51-year-old security guard Barry Leenders and injured two responding police officers. The September 1 attack has triggered a massive police investigation, leading to over 30 arrests across multiple nationalities and revealing alleged connections to transnational drug trafficking involving the farm’s owner, Jan G. Junior.
International Arrests and Suspect Demographics in Overasselt Shooting
According to NL Times, Dutch law enforcement has apprehended and placed in pre-trial detention more than 30 individuals in connection with the Overasselt farm attack. The detained group comprises 11 Dutch nationals, 16 French nationals, two Belgians, two Algerians, one Libyan, and one Ukrainian.
Investigators note that the suspects are aged between 18 and 32, with the exception of two French minors aged 16 and 17. During subsequent searches across Overasselt—including areas near a local school—police recovered and confiscated a cache of hidden firearms and ammunition.
Alleged Belgian Safehouse and Directives to Kill
According to De Telegraaf and public broadcaster NOS, three French suspects have told investigators that the assault crew gathered in a Belgian warehouse the night before the raid. Sources report that the men received weapons, ammunition, and explicit instructions: “Kill everyone on the farm. Also children.”
Dutch police have not yet officially commented on these specific media-reported statements. Investigators have instead established a dedicated portal to provide regular updates on the ongoing case.
Did you know?
According to RTL, the primary target of the attack is 28-year-old farm owner Jan G. Junior, who has a prior criminal record and is linked by police to an intercepted shipment of nearly 4,000 kilograms of cocaine in Dunkirk, France.
Surveillance Footage and Escalating Drug Cartel Threats
According to RTL and other outlets, surveillance video from the area shows two vans arriving before several men approach a parked car and check its doors. Subsequent footage captures the fatal shooting of security guard Barry Leenders further down the street, followed by one of the attackers shooting directly at the recording camera.
A separate video surfaced online on September 2, featuring four masked men armed with weapons. Speaking directly to the camera, one man states: “This message is to Jan G. Junior. You stole from us,” referencing two truckloads of goods allegedly stolen from associates in Spain. The masked speaker issues a 12-hour ultimatum to return the goods, warning of violent retaliation against the target, his family, and friends.
According to NOS, investigators are actively examining the authenticity of the threat video. Broadcaster analysis indicates the recording contains specific details that had not been made public prior to its online appearance the day after the shooting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was killed in the Overasselt farm attack?
According to verified reports, 51-year-old security guard Barry Leenders was shot and killed during the incident.
How many suspects have been arrested?
Over 30 individuals spanning six nationalities have been arrested and placed in pre-trial detention, according to NL Times.
Who is the suspected target of the attack?
According to RTL, investigators believe the intended target is 28-year-old Jan G. Junior, who is linked to recent large-scale international drug smuggling investigations.
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