Amsterdam mayor closes party venue after shooting and serious assault

Amsterdam mayor Femke Halsema has ordered the closure of a party centre on the Rhôneweg in Amsterdam-Sloterdijk following a series of violent incidents, including a shooting during a party and a serious assault in which a woman was left badly injured.

The closure follows two major incidents in September and October at the venue associated with the name Rhône Events. It was also the location of the party that led to the nearby murder of rap musician Bigidagoe in 2024.

The shooting occurred during a party in the early hours of Sunday, September 6. Police received a report of gunfire at approximately 4 a.m. and found a man with a gunshot wound inside the venue. The victim was conscious and able to communicate with officers. He was taken to hospital for medical treatment.

At least one gunshot had been fired inside the building. The shooting happened inside the venue, “where a party was taking place at the time,” police said in their appeal for witnesses to come forward. “No suspects were found in the vicinity. The investigation into exactly what happened, the motive, and who was involved was launched by the detective unit.”

The shooting was followed by another serious incident at the same venue on Saturday, October 24, at around 5:40 a.m. Two women got into an argument during a party, according to police. A man then intervened, hitting one of the women on the head with an object. The woman suffered serious head injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.

The incident caused considerable unrest among partygoers, with some acting aggressively towards officers who arrived at the venue. Police officers had to form a line to keep aggressive visitors at a distance and remove them from the premises; they also used their batons during the intervention.

On October 28, the 31-year-old suspect from Almere reported to a police station after police had published a description of the suspect. He was subsequently arrested. Police confirmed the arrest on October 29.

Police confirmed that the party was not part of Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), despite initial reports suggesting a possible connection.

“A building on Rhôneweg has been ordered to close for three months following several violent incidents in the area in recent months. The closure was imposed by the mayor on Tuesday, November 3, under the General Municipal By-law (APV).
Nobody will be allowed to enter the premises during the closure. The measure is intended to restore public order and prevent further violence,” a statement from the municipality of Amsterdam read.

The venue has been involved in violent incidents for years prior to this. On February 25, 2024, rapper Danzel Silos, known as Bigidagoe, was shot dead after leaving a party at the venue and getting into an argument about a necklace. He was killed in a nearby parking area.

There was also an earlier closure of a publicly accessible establishment at the Rhôneweg in December 2023. Police had investigated several incidents in late 2023, including a shooting, illegal gambling, and an explosive being found, which was intended for the building.