Contested Albergen asylum shelter targeted in drive-by shooting

Albergen in the municipality of Tubbergen - Credit: - License: CC-BY-SA Crime Thursday, 8 October 2026 - 09:09

The asylum shelter on Gravendijk in Albergen was targeted in a drive-by shooting during the early hours of Monday morning. Multiple people inside a moving car fired what the police are calling “heavy-duty fireworks” at the shelter, likely using a blank-firing pistol, RTV Oost reported.

The broadcaster looked into the incident after receiving information from an anonymous tipster. The police, Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA), and the municipality of Tubbergen, which covers Albergen, confirmed the incident to RTV Oost when asked.

The incident occurred around 2:15 a.m. on Monday. The COA reported it to the police and the municipality. “We find it absolutely unacceptable that an asylum center is targeted by such behavior,” a COA spokesperson told the broadcaster. “At the same time, we are relieved that no one was hurt and no damage was caused.” The incident caused considerable alarm among the shelter’s residents, the COA said.

The agency will not take extra measures at this time. “There is permanent security present at the site. In addition, we maintain close contact with the police and the municipality. Based on current information, there are no grounds for additional measures. Naturally, the situation is being monitored."

Monday’s shooting is not an isolated incident. A stray bullet hit an asylum seeker during another shooting in August 2025. And the building was shot at with an air rifle in January 2024.

The Albergen asylum shelter opened amid great controversy and after around two years of effort in September 2024. It was the first forced location designated by the government under the Asylum Distribution Law. Locals vehemently protested against the shelter, and the mayor of Tubbergen even had to move house due to threats against him.