Tear Gas Attacks at Amsterdam Dance Event Linked to Jewelry Thefts

A series of jewelry robberies involving tear gas and pepper spray disrupted multiple parties during the 2026 Amsterdam Dance Event, prompting dozens of theft reports throughout the five-day gathering.

Gashouder Incident Sends 15 to First Aid

One of the incidents occurred Saturday evening during Franky Rizardo's FLOW event at the Gashouder venue. According to Dutch broadcaster AT5, a confrontation erupted near the stage after someone allegedly attempted to steal an attendee's necklace.

Tear gas was subsequently released into the crowd, sending attendees fleeing the dancefloor. Fifteen people sought first aid, three of whom underwent additional medical examinations. None were hospitalized and no arrests were reported in connection with the incident.

Pattern of Chemical-Spray Robberies Under Investigation

The disturbance was at least the fourth reported incident involving tear gas or pepper spray during this year's ADE. In a subsequent report, AT5 revealed that police had received dozens of reports involving jewelry thefts at ADE, sometimes coinciding with the release of chemical irritants.

One attendee described having gold necklaces forcibly taken during an Awakenings event before being sprayed directly in the face with a substance resembling tear gas or pepper spray. Police are investigating the theft reports, although the full extent of the incidents remains unclear.