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Rotterdam police are expanding their investigation following the fatal shooting of a 34-year-old man on Thursday afternoon. The incident, which occurred around 4:50 PM local time on the Indrapoerastraat in the Delfshaven district, has prompted a large-scale search for the suspect(s), and authorities are exploring the possibility that the shooting stemmed from a dispute within criminal circles. The victim, identified as a resident of Capelle aan den IJssel, was pronounced dead after being transported to a local hospital.

Initial reports indicate a verbal altercation preceded the shooting. Witnesses reported hearing raised voices before shots were fired. Police arrived at the scene to find the man suffering from gunshot wounds in the building’s entryway. Despite immediate resuscitation efforts by paramedics, the victim succumbed to his injuries. Evidence collected at the scene, including bullet casings, suggests multiple shots were discharged. The investigation into the shooting is now being led by the Team Grootschalige Opsporing (TGO), a specialized unit dedicated to tackling serious crime.

Search for Suspects Intensifies

Authorities are currently searching for at least two suspects who fled the scene in a black car. Police have not released further details about the vehicle, but are appealing to the public for any information or dashcam footage that might assist in their investigation. A police spokesperson indicated that investigators are considering the possibility of a connection to organized crime, stating that “it seemed like a quarrel” and noting the significant number of shell casings found at the scene, suggesting a deliberate act. RD.nl reports that police are keeping an open mind regarding the motive.

The shooting has prompted a heightened police presence in the Delfshaven area as officers conduct door-to-door inquiries and review security camera footage. Rijnmond.nl reports that police are actively seeking witnesses and any information that could lead to the identification and apprehension of the suspect(s).

Recent Shootings in Rotterdam Area

This incident is the latest in a series of shootings in the Rotterdam area in recent weeks. On February 4th, a 19-year-old man died following a shooting incident in Rotterdam, according to NOS News. Earlier in January, a 16-year-old was the victim of fatal violence in Den Hoorn, and an 18-year-old was arrested in connection with that case. Another shooting in Amsterdam in late December left a man with non-life-threatening injuries.

The frequency of these incidents has raised concerns among residents and prompted calls for increased security measures. Local authorities have pledged to address the issue and work to prevent further violence.

The investigation remains ongoing, and police are urging anyone with information about the Indrapoerastraat shooting to come forward. Authorities are committed to bringing those responsible to justice and ensuring the safety of the community.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities will continue to analyze evidence and pursue all available leads. The focus remains on identifying and apprehending the suspect(s) and determining the full circumstances surrounding this tragic event.

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TOPEKA – Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and the Kansas Department of Agriculture announced a $3 million investment today to advance unmanned aerial systems (UAS) technology for agricultural applications. The funding will be awarded to Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems, a Seneca-based company, to develop beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) capabilities for drones used in farming and ranching. This initiative aims to improve crop yields, reduce costs, and position Kansas as a leader in precision agriculture.

The investment, announced on February 19, 2026, represents a significant step towards integrating cutting-edge technology into the state’s agricultural sector. Governor Kelly emphasized the importance of supporting Kansas farmers and ranchers with innovative tools. “Through investments into cutting-edge precision agriculture technology, we are giving Kansas farmers and ranchers a leg up,” Kelly said, according to a press release from her office. Kansas’ extensive farmland and diversified agricultural industry make it an ideal location for the development and implementation of these technologies.

Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems to Lead Development

Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems was established in 2024 by Heinen Brothers Agra Services with a specific focus on bringing advanced Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and autonomous ground vehicles to Kansas agriculture. The company will utilize the $3 million to refine BVLOS technology, allowing drones to operate over longer distances without direct pilot visibility. This capability is crucial for efficiently monitoring large agricultural areas and collecting valuable data on crop health, irrigation needs, and pest infestations. More information about the company’s mission and services can be found on their website: https://kellyhills.us/.

Legislative Support and Industry Collaboration

The funding for this project was approved during the 2025 legislative session, demonstrating bipartisan support for advancing agricultural and aviation technology within the state. Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) Secretary Mike Beam highlighted the strategic advantages of this investment. “Kelly Hills is building on a storied history of agriculture and aviation innovation in the state of Kansas,” Beam said. “This investment will ensure that Kansas farmers and ranchers remain at the forefront of the industry.”

Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems is also partnering with Kansas State University’s ID3A (Institute for Digital Drives and Analytics) to further enhance drone technology and empower farmers. This collaboration, announced in January 2026, aims to shape the future of digital agriculture in Kansas. Learn more about the K-State partnership.

Beyond Visual Line of Sight Technology: A Game Changer for Agriculture

BVLOS technology is considered a critical advancement for the widespread adoption of drones in agriculture. Currently, regulations often require pilots to maintain visual contact with their drones, limiting their operational range and efficiency. Developing reliable and safe BVLOS systems will unlock the full potential of drones for tasks such as crop scouting, precision spraying, and livestock monitoring. The ability to cover larger areas more quickly and efficiently will translate into significant cost savings and increased productivity for Kansas farmers.

The Kansas Department of Transportation and the University of Alaska at Fairbanks are also collaborating with Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems to ensure the safe and regulatory compliant operation of these advanced UAVs. This collaborative approach underscores the state’s commitment to responsible innovation in the aviation sector. Read more about Kelly Hills’ partnerships.

Impact and Future Outlook

This $3 million investment is expected to have a ripple effect throughout the Kansas agricultural economy. By providing farmers with access to advanced drone technology, the state aims to enhance competitiveness, attract investment, and create new job opportunities in the precision agriculture sector. The development of BVLOS capabilities will also position Kansas as a testing ground for future innovations in unmanned aerial systems.

The next steps involve Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems refining the BVLOS technology and conducting field trials with Kansas farmers and ranchers. The KDA will continue to monitor the project’s progress and assess its impact on the state’s agricultural industry. As drone technology continues to evolve, Kansas is poised to remain at the forefront of this rapidly growing field.

What are your thoughts on the use of drones in agriculture? Share your comments below and help us continue the conversation.