Two people were killed and numerous others were hurt after a shooter opened fire outside two LGBTQ-friendly pubs and a café early on Saturday morning in central Oslo, according to the police and Norway’s national television.
After launching an attack at three different locations in downtown Oslo, investigators allegedly caught the 42-year-old suspect, a Norwegian citizen of Iranian descent.
The march that was supposed to mark the end of a weeklong celebration and be organised by Oslo Pride organisers has reportedly also been postponed. Unknown as to why the parade was postponed, one of the shootings happened in front of the London Pub, a popular gay bar in the city, only hours before it was set to begin.
According to police attorney Chrisitian Hatlo, the suspect is being held on suspicion of murder, attempted murder, and terrorism because of the large number of victims who have been targeted in different parts of Norway. In a statement, he said,
“Our overall conclusion is that there is reason to suspect that he intended to instil severe dread in the populace.”
Hatlo said the following regarding the suspect’s mental state:
“If he has a medical history, we must review it. We’re not aware of it at the moment.”
A detailed look into the massive gunfire incident at Norway pubs
Bar goers fled into the streets or tried to hide from the shooter as the shootings started at one in the morning.
Olav Ronneberg, a crime reporter for NRK, the state broadcaster of Norway, was in the area when the fighting started.
According to him,
“I observed a man approaching the scene carrying a bag before picking up a gun and beginning to fire. I initially believed it to be an airgun. I realised I needed to run for cover when the glass of the bar next door broke.”
According to reports, two shooting victims passed away at the site, while about ten others were receiving medical attention for serious wounds. It is believed that none of the wounds constitute a major threat to life.
In a message on social media, the prime minister, Jonas Gahr, stated:
“A terrible and horrifying attack on innocent people occurred tonight in Oslo outside the London pub. We are all behind you.”
TV2 in Norway broadcast images of panicked people running through Oslo’s streets as loud gunshots could be heard in the background.
The accused was known to Norway’s security police, but not for any severe violent offences, according to the investigators. His criminal past included a knife offence and narcotics possession.
A handgun and an automatic firearm had been taken from the accused, according to attorney Hatlo. Without providing any other information, he stated that both firearms were “not current.”
He added that the suspect had not given any statement to the police and was in contact with a defence lawyer. Hatlo emphasised that it was still too soon to determine whether the shooter had targeted just LGBTQ people.