Teen Arrested in Uppsala Shooting Incident
Swedish authorities have arrested a 16-year-old suspect following a fatal shooting that left three people dead at a hair salon in central Uppsala on Tuesday. The attack occurred in broad daylight, just a day before the city’s annual Valborg spring festival, which typically draws around 100,000 visitors.
Police said the assailant, who was masked, fled the scene on an electric scooter. "One person has been arrested on suspicion of murder," said police commander Erik Akerlund during a media briefing. He added that several other individuals "considered of interest in the investigation" had been questioned.
While Swedish media reported that at least one victim had ties to organized crime, police have not yet confirmed this. Authorities emphasized that the shooting appeared to be an isolated incident, with no connection to Valborg celebrations. They also ruled out terrorism or hate crime as motives, launching a homicide investigation instead.
The victims, aged between 15 and 20, have not been formally identified. Witnesses described hearing rapid gunfire before the shooter escaped. "Everything happened so fast. It just went bang, bang, bang," one witness told Swedish broadcaster TV4.
Gang Violence Under Scrutiny
The shooting has reignited concerns over Sweden’s escalating gang-related violence, which has increasingly involved minors. Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer called the attack "a brutal act of violence" and vowed to address the crisis. The government has proposed stricter gun laws and expanded surveillance measures, including wiretapping suspects under 15—the country’s age of criminal responsibility.
This incident follows a deadly mass shooting in Örebro in February, where a gunman killed 10 people. Gang conflicts have also flared in Gothenburg, Sweden’s second-largest city, with two fatalities reported earlier this month.
Despite the violence, Uppsala police assured the public that Valborg festivities would proceed with heightened security. "There will be a large police presence," said local chief Åsa Larsson, though she cautioned that "no guarantees" could be made against further violence.
Authorities continue to analyze evidence, including seized phones and witness testimonies, as the investigation unfolds.