Hans Van Themsche was born on February 7, 1988, in Wilrijk, a suburb of Antwerp in Belgium. He grew up in a family noted for its involvement in Flemish nationalism. His father, Peter, and other family members were involved with far-right political movements, including membership in the Vlaams Belang party, which has been known for its anti-immigrant rhetoric.

As a child, Hans was described as someone who struggled socially. He faced bullying at school, particularly from students of foreign descent. This experience strongly affected him and contributed to his feelings of isolation. He was known to have long hair and often dressed in a Gothic style.

During his teenage years, Van Themsche attended a boarding school. In May 2006, he was caught smoking at the school, which led to the possibility of his expulsion. This incident prompted him to leave the school and travel to Antwerp. The environment around him, including the political atmosphere within his family, was often reflective of radical views on race and nationalism.

On May 11, 2006, Hans Van Themsche shot three people in Antwerp, Belgium. He had traveled from Roeselare to Antwerp after being caught smoking at his boarding school. He shaved his head except for a ponytail and legally bought a hunting rifle and ammunition that morning.

Around noon, he started his attack in the city center. His first victim was a woman of Turkish descent named Songul Koç, who was sitting on a bench reading a book. He shot her in the chest, severely injuring her. He then encountered Oulemata Niangadou, a pregnant Malian nanny, and her two-year-old charge, Luna Drowart. He shot them both in the back at close range, killing them immediately.

After the shootings, Van Themsche was confronted by a police officer. The officer ordered him to surrender, but Van Themsche refused. As the situation escalated, the officer shot him in the stomach, incapacitating him.

While in the hospital, Van Themsche identified himself as a skinhead and confessed to targeting non-white individuals. He said that Oulemata and Luna were killed because they were near people of different ethnic backgrounds. He mentioned that his motive for attacking minorities was rooted in bullying he experienced at school years earlier.

At his trial, defense lawyers claimed he had mental health issues, including Asperger syndrome and narcissistic personality disorder. However, on October 11, 2007, a jury found him guilty of all charges, including the murders of Oulemata and Luna. The next day, he was sentenced to life in prison. The Court of Cassation later rejected his appeal in February 2008.