# Fireworks and arson damage Bunschoten town hall

> Police are looking for witnesses and footage after unrest at the town hall in Bunschoten on Wednesday evening. The mayor condemned the violence and said no site has been chosen for an asylum centre.

Migration · published 2026-11-05 15:04 · https://nlnow.nl/a/fireworks-and-arson-hit-bunschoten-town-hall-during-protest/

Fireworks were set off around the town hall in Bunschoten, in Utrecht province, on Wednesday 4 November between 20:30 and 21:30, police said. Some were aimed at officers at the scene. Police are also investigating arson at the front of the building and are looking for the perpetrator(s).

The fire started at the front left, next to the entrance. It did not spread, so the fire brigade did not need to attend. The front of the building is damaged and blackening is still visible. Police are asking anyone with information or footage to come forward.

Mayor Jaco Geurts said in a statement that the events had affected him. "Vandalism, intimidation and violence against the police are unacceptable," he said.

> Disagreements belong in a democracy, but they must always be expressed in a respectful and peaceful way.
> — Jaco Geurts, mayor of Bunschoten

Geurts said no decisions have been taken and no site has been identified for an asylum centre. He acknowledged that the possible arrival of a centre raises worries and questions, and sometimes uncertainty, for some residents. "Those feelings are legitimate and deserve to be heard," he said. The municipality wants to talk to residents and the council (gemeenteraad) in the near future.

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