Nine people, including five children, were killed in a brutal stabbing attack in Suriname after a man attacked multiple people at a residence in the town of Richelieu, authorities said.
Suriname police confirmed that the incident occurred late Saturday night, Dec. 27, and continued into the early hours of Sunday, Dec. 28, in the Commewijne district of the South American country. The suspect, whose name has not been released, allegedly used a sharp object to kill four adults and five children inside the home.
In addition to those killed, a sixth child and another adult were seriously injured during the attack. Both victims were transported by ambulance to the Academic Hospital Paramaribo in the capital, where they were admitted and remain under medical care.
Police officers from the Eastern Region responded to the scene, where the suspect reportedly attempted to attack them as well. During the arrest, officers shot the man in the legs, injuring him. He was subsequently taken to hospital and is being treated under police supervision.
Authorities have not yet released full details surrounding the motive or sequence of events, saying further information will be shared as the investigation continues. Local media outlets, citing neighbors, reported that the suspect may have been struggling with mental health issues, though this has not been officially confirmed.
Suriname President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons expressed shock and sorrow over the killings in a statement posted on Facebook. Writing in Dutch, she described the incident as deeply tragic, saying it involved “a father who takes the lives of his own children and at the same time kills his neighbors.”
“In a time when family and friends should hold and support each other, we are confronted with the harsh reality that the world also has another side,” the president wrote. She extended her condolences to the families affected, wishing them strength and comfort during what she described as an unimaginably difficult period.
The attack has shaken the small community of Richelieu and prompted renewed discussion in the country about mental health support and domestic violence prevention.