In a tragic incident, three individuals lost their lives in a shooting that occurred in Uppsala, Sweden. Authorities have confirmed the appalling event, which took place at a hair salon situated near Vaksala Square in the heart of the city, as reported by local media outlets.
The assailant, who escaped the scene on a scooter, is currently at large. In response, law enforcement has established a significant perimeter in the vicinity, and a murder investigation has been launched to uncover the details surrounding the incident.
Witness accounts reveal chaos
The shooting transpired just before the Walpurgis spring festival, a time when Uppsala, known for its prestigious university, typically sees large crowds gathering in celebration.
“Everything happened so fast. It just went bang, bang, bang,” a witness recounted to Swedish channel TV4.
Another local resident, who was preparing dinner, described the distressing moment when he heard “two bangs that sounded a bit like fireworks” erupting outside. He expressed his fear, noting that he was “very surprised and scared” as police and emergency services quickly flooded the streets, urging bystanders to retreat to safety.
Search for the shooter intensifies
A comprehensive operation is currently underway to locate the shooter. According to police spokesperson Magnus Jansson Klarin, a police helicopter has been deployed to assist in the search efforts. Train services in the area were temporarily suspended to prevent the suspect from escaping, but normal operations have since resumed.
Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer has characterized the incident as a “brutal act of violence.” The identities of both the victims and the shooter remain unknown at this time. This incident adds to the growing concerns over the rising incidence of shootings and gang-related violence in Sweden in recent years, prompting the government to consider stricter gun control measures.
Earlier this year, a shooting at an adult education center in the town of Orebro resulted in the deaths of 10 people, highlighting the urgent need for action against gun violence in the country.