A horrific mass stabbing has shaken the South American nation of Suriname, leaving nine people dead—including five children—on the outskirts of the capital city of Paramaribo. According to official police statements, the attack occurred Saturday night on a residential road leading out of the city, marking one of the most severe violent incidents in recent memory for the country.
Law enforcement officers responding to the scene apprehended a male suspect after shooting him in the leg to subdue him. The injured suspect was transported to a medical facility under police guard for treatment. Additionally, two other victims—one adult and one child—survived the attack with serious injuries and were rushed to hospitals for emergency care.
While authorities have not released formal details about the perpetrator’s motives, local media outlets citing officials and residents have reported that the suspect may have been experiencing significant mental health challenges. In a sobering statement, Surinamese President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons revealed that the victims included members of the attacker’s own family and neighbors, describing the tragedy as ‘the harsh reality that there is another side to the world.’
The president extended her condolences to all affected, stating: ‘I wish all the bereaved much strength, courage and comfort during this unimaginably difficult time.’ Police have indicated that additional information regarding the circumstances of the incident will be released as the investigation progresses.
This devastating event stands in stark contrast to Suriname’s typically low rates of violent knife crime, making such mass casualty incidents particularly rare. The nation, which gained independence from the Netherlands in 1975, has historically experienced political instability including several coups and a civil war, but has rarely seen violence of this nature targeting civilians in residential areas.