He stated at his trial that he killed Fortuyn to stop him from exploiting Muslims as scapegoats and targeting "the vulnerable sections of society" in seeking political power. Graaf was arrested shortly after shooting Fortuyn, who died immediately. In court, Graaf testified that he had become alarmed that Fortuyn was using Muslims and immigrants as scapegoats in a campaign to seek political power. He thought the politician endangered society with his controversial statements. His trial started on 27 March 2003. He was convicted on 15 April 2003 and sentenced to 18 years in prison. The trial generated large interest from the Dutch public, especially Fortuyn and right-wing Dutch supporters. Graaf appealed for the reduction of the sentence to 16 years, but on 18 July 2003, the appeals court upheld the previous sentence.