01 May 2009

Good, the bastard died

Rico says sometimes you see things flash by on the news and don't get the story; this is what that black car was up to, according to an article by David Charter and Philippe Naughton in The Times:
A man who ploughed his car into a crowd of well-wishers, in an abortive attack on Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, has died of his injuries, prosecutors said today. Five people were killed and a dozen others injured in yesterday's attack after the man, identified by local media as Karst Tates, 38, rammed through two police barricades and sped towards an open top bus carrying members of the royal party. Beatrix, 71, and other royals either cowered or watched in horror as the black Suzuki car drove through spectators at the Queen's Day parade in Appeldoorn, 60 miles east of Amsterdam, before crashing into a monument.
Pulled from his smashed-up car by police, Tates was arrested and taken to hospital, where he died overnight in an intensive care ward. Tates is thought to have been a security guard who had recently been fired from his job and faced losing his home, but he had no record of mental illness or previous crimes.
Ludo Goossens, a justice official, told reporters that, at the moment of his arrest, the man had told police that his attack had been aimed at the Royal Family. Investigators searched his house to try to establish a motive.
In a rare television address, Queen Beatrix offered her condolences. “We are speechless that something so terrible could have happened,” she said, looking shaken. “My family and I think everybody in the country sympathises with the victims, their families and friends. What began as a great day has ended in a terrible tragedy.”
On Queen’s Day, which commemorates the birth of Queen Beatrix’s mother, millions of people take the day off, dress in orange wigs and hats, and hold street parties. Last night the parties were cancelled and flags were at half-mast.
Jan Peter Balkenende, the Prime Minister, said: “I think that it has become clear that this happened with premeditation.” Officials said that the driver had a map of the Queen’s parade route. He apparently tried to collide with the bus carrying the Royal Family. People were thrown in the air as his car ripped through the crowds before hitting a monument and coming to a halt.
Dutch television showed Crown Prince Willem-Alexander and his wife, Princess Maxima, watching in astonishment. No one in the royal entourage was hurt. Peter von de Vorst, a witness, said that the incident was like watching a Hollywood film. “It was a really nice day. Then you hear a bang. Everyone looks up and you see people indeed flying through the air,” he said. “This must be a joke or a strange prank. Then suddenly panic, and you realise that something really terrible has happened.”
Rico says at least he died, thus sparing the Dutch the nuisance and expense of trying him...

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