Enschede city council member Danny van Wakeren, speaking on behalf of all 24 council members according to one report, called for measures after a month marked by stabbings, explosions and fights. He said the city should be known for innovation, entrepreneurship and a pleasant living environment rather than violence.

Van Wakeren advocated preventive searches to address insecurity in several parts of Enschede, where residents reportedly feel unsafe and some avoid certain places. A professor questioned whether preventive searches are the solution.