Residents of the Utrecht district of Shallow had reportedly faced weeks of nuisance, including arson and fireworks. Videos shared with the editors showed groups of young people fleeing from police. A resident said she had been punched several times in the stomach and wished to remain anonymous because of fears of further reprisals. Residents described the neighborhood as unsafe and said they did not dare to intervene.

The municipality is taking measures to restore calm in the district. These include additional police and enforcement, along with other measures, although no further details were given.