Uppsala, Sweden — A 16-year-old detained following a shooting that claimed the lives of three young individuals is no longer a suspect, as clarified by prosecutors on Friday. The prosecutor overseeing the case, Andreas Nyberg, stated that evidence against the teenager has significantly diminished during his time in custody, leading to his release.
In connection with the tragic incident, authorities have taken three men into custody. Two men, aged between 25 and 35, were apprehended on Thursday on charges of incitement to murder. Additionally, a third man in his twenties was arrested during the early hours of Friday, facing allegations of murder.
The shooting incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon at a hair salon in central Uppsala, a city located approximately 45 miles north of Stockholm. Witnesses reported a chaotic scene as multiple shots rang out, leaving three individuals between the ages of 15 and 20 dead. This violent event has raised alarms throughout Sweden, as concerns over increasing gang-related activities continue to grow.
While police have yet to confirm any gang affiliations regarding the shooting, local media reports suggest that at least one of the victims had ties to a known criminal group. This development has fueled speculation about the underlying motives of the attack and the broader issues related to gang violence in the region.
Uppsala, a city known for its historic architecture and educational institutions, has not experienced violence of this magnitude in recent years. The incident stands as a stark reminder of the rising concern surrounding youth violence and criminal enterprises in Sweden, prompting calls for heightened law enforcement efforts and community engagement.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, seeking answers to address community fears and improve safety in public spaces. The arrests of the three men may provide some clarity, but residents remain on edge, hoping for swift justice and preventative measures to deter similar incidents in the future.