Shooter Fouad L. wasn’t allowed to become a doctor without a psychological examination

Before the incidents of Thursday, the suspect in the shootings at Erasmus MC almost had his degree, but was not allowed to become a doctor until he first underwent a psychological examination. This was what board chairman Stefan Sleijfer told NOS.

Medicine student L. had successfully completed all tests and was about to receive his degree, when the faculty received a warning from the Public Prosecutor that the student was showing ‘worrying behaviour’. Among other things, the prosecutor told Erasmsu MC that L. had mistreated a dog and rabbits, his house was full of animal faeces and he exhibited psychotic behaviour. A confiscated phone contained Nazi-related images and videos showing people being stabbed and killed. He also had an alcohol addiction and depressions, the prosecutor wrote. He was convicted of animal cruelty two years ago.

An anonymous account found on an internet forum appears to be from the perpetrator. In it, he says the ‘normies’ (ordinary people) at Erasmus MC constantly misunderstand him because of his high intelligence. He called for the death of ‘normies’.

Fouad L. was arrested on Thursday after he shot a woman and her daughter and Erasmus MC lecturer Jurgen Damen. He also set fire to two houses and the faculty’s teaching centre.