A picture of the man believed to be responsible for the shooting. Source: Twitter.
A 22-year-old man has been taken into custody after shooting dead several people in a Copenhagen mall with Danish police saying it could possibly be “an act of terrorism”.
Officers were called to Field’s Shopping Mall at around 5:30 pm Sunday afternoon after reports that a gunman was opening fire throughout different parts of the shopping centre.
Authorities say that the three victims were two young people and a man in his 40s while three people remain in a critical condition in hospital with extra staff called in to care for the victims.
Police Inspector Soren Thomassen said that one man, who they described as an “ethnic Dane” was arrested but at this moment it’s believed he acted alone.
“We do not have information that others are involved. This is what we know now,” he said.
Speaking to Danish media was Laurits Hermansen who was shopping nearby when he suddenly heard “three of four… really loud bangs” saying that “it sounded like the shots were being fired just next to the store”.
Video of the suspect shooting and saying something in danish. #denmark #copenhagen #shooting #svpol #sakpol #kobenhavn pic.twitter.com/KnWcXRdDUT
— NFTkillen (@abdirichboy) July 3, 2022
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called it a “cruel attack” noting that “innocent families shopping or eating out” were killed.
“It is incomprehensible. Heartbreaking. Pointless.
“Our beautiful and usually so safe capital was changed in a split second.
“I want to encourage Danish people to stand together and support each other at this difficult time.”
Echoing her sentiment was the Danish Royal Family who said, “the situation calls for unity and care”.
A cycling event for the Tour de France was to be attended by Crown Prince Frederik, however this was postponed.
British singer Harry Styles was set to perform that night, however concert organizers and authorities cancelled the show.
“I’m so heartbroken along with the people of Copenhagen. I adore this city. The people are so warm and full of love,” tweeted Styles.
“I’m devastated for the victims, their families, and everyone hurting. I’m sorry we couldn’t be together. Please look after each other.”
More details to come.
