Sweden's Uppsala Shooting Leaves Three Dead

Three people were killed in a shooting at a hair salon near Vaksala Square in central Uppsala, Swedish police confirmed Tuesday. The gunman, who fled the scene on an electric scooter, remains at large.

Authorities have cordoned off a large area as a murder investigation unfolds. The attack occurred on the eve of Walpurgis Night, a traditional spring festival that draws large crowds to the streets of Uppsala, a university city north of Stockholm.

Eyewitnesses Describe Chaos

"I heard two bangs that sounded like fireworks," one resident told Swedish television, describing how he was cooking at home when the shots rang out. "I was very surprised and scared. Soon after, swarms of police and ambulances arrived, blocking off the street."

Another witness told TV4, "Everything happened so fast. It just went bang, bang, bang."

According to Swedish broadcaster SVT, one of the victims had been under investigation for allegedly planning an attack against a relative of a gang leader.

Police Response and Public Concern

Police spokesman Magnus Jansson Klarin told TV4 that a major operation, including a helicopter search, is underway to locate the shooter. Train services in the area were briefly suspended to prevent the suspect from escaping but have since resumed. Officers are conducting door-to-door inquiries for additional witness accounts.

Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer condemned the attack as a "brutal act of violence."

In a statement, police acknowledged public concern ahead of Walpurgis celebrations but said their initial assessment suggests the shooting was an "isolated incident" with no ongoing threat to the public.

Rising Gang Violence in Sweden

Sweden has faced increasing gun violence in recent years, with frequent shootings and explosions linked to gang conflicts. The government has pledged to tighten gun laws in response.

Tuesday’s attack follows a February shooting in Orebro, where 10 people were killed at an adult education center. Authorities have yet to disclose a motive for the Uppsala attack.

Police continue to urge anyone with information to come forward as the manhunt intensifies.