Uppsala, Sweden — Chaos erupted in a bustling university town on Tuesday afternoon when a masked gunman opened fire inside a hair salon, claiming the lives of three young individuals. This disturbing act of violence has been characterized by law enforcement as an apparent gang-related shooting.
Authorities have arrested a 16-year-old boy on suspicion of murder in connection with the incident, which occurred at the Shalom barber shop located in Vaksala Square. Chief prosecutor Andreas Nyberg confirmed that the minor was taken into custody shortly after midnight at his residence. “An intensive investigation is ongoing, with police conducting door-to-door inquiries and interviewing witnesses,” Nyberg stated.
The tragic event left two teenagers and a 20-year-old dead, prompting police to temporarily lock down the area and halt outbound train services. As part of the investigation, officers are analyzing seized mobile phones and other evidence for further insights.
Sources indicate that one of the victims was reportedly under investigation for planning an attack on a gang leader’s family member. This connection raises alarms regarding potential retaliation in the wake of the shooting. “While we are still working to identify the deceased, we believe they are aged between 15 and 20,” police chief Erik Akerlund remarked, adding that officers are in contact with the victims’ families.
Although the attack took place in a public setting, authorities have not yet established any correlation between the salon and the violent act itself. “We do have a sense of who the victims are and are focusing on their background in our investigation,” Akerlund noted.
With the city on edge, law enforcement is enhancing security measures ahead of the Walpurgis Night festival, a traditional celebration scheduled to draw approximately 100,000 attendees later on Wednesday. Local police chief Asa Larsson expressed understanding of the community’s concerns, assuring residents that the event will proceed with increased safety protocols. “We are prioritizing security measures, recognizing the community’s worries about this tragic occurrence,” Larsson asserted.
The incident in Uppsala comes on the heels of other significant acts of violence in Sweden, including a mass shooting earlier this year that resulted in multiple casualties at an adult education center in Orebro. This latest event underscores a growing concern about gang-related violence in the country and its impact on public safety.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities remain vigilant, with the suspect to be either remanded in custody or released by noon on Saturday. The community watches closely, seeking answers and assurances in the aftermath of this harrowing event.