On Saturday, three off-duty Dutch commandos were injured in a shooting outside their Hampton Inn in downtown Indianapolis.
One soldier died as a result of his injuries.
Police believe the shooting was not a “random act,” and that the shooting followed an earlier disturbance in downtown Indianapolis. The earlier incident included one or multiple other people at another location.
The commandos were members of the Commando Corps, a special operations unit in the Netherlands armed forces. All three soldiers were in the US for training exercises at the nearby Muscatatuck Urban Training Center, before they were scheduled to head to Indiana’s state capitol at the end of their day. When the incident occurred, they were outside their Hampton Inn hotel and on their off-time.
Although all three soldiers were initially listed as in critical or stable condition, the most critically injured soldier died Sunday night. The Dutch Ministry of Defense released a statement that the man passed away with his family and colleagues at his side. His two associates, who were also wounded, were conscious and able to speak.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, who is investigating the incident, posted on Twitter that it is still under investigation. They are coordinating with various agencies in the Netherlands and the United States to allow family members to come and arrange for the return of victims to the Netherlands.
They also stated that they could release no information regarding potential suspects. However, earlier announcements included news that the earlier disturbance may be related.
An officer confirmed with reporters that the incident happened outside the hotel.
The Muscatatuck Urban Training Center is a huge complex about 40 miles outside Indianapolis. The Department of Defense uses this facility for training.
The most recent update says the two soldiers are in stable condition. However, the incident is still being monitored and investigated, and police are asking anyone with information to come forward.
