Copenhagen shooting not terrorism, suspect known to mental health services
Copenhagen, Jul 4 (EFE).- Danish police said Monday that the suspect in a weekend shooting at a Copenhagen mall in which three people were killed is “known among psychiatric services” and that the attack was not an act of terror.
“Our suspect is also known among psychiatric services, beyond that I do not wish to comment,” the Danish capital’s police chief Søren Thomassen said in a press conference Monday morning.
Several people were also wounded in the attack, four of which are in critical condition, Thomassen said, adding that the 22-year-old Danish suspect taken into custody most likely acted alone.
Police do not believe the attack to be terror-related and the victims appear to have been randomly targeted, he said.
The three people killed were a 47-year-old Russian citizen residing in Denmark, and a Danish girl and boy, both 17.
The four critically injured are two Danish women aged 19 and 40, and two Swedes – a 50-year old man and a 16-year-old girl.
The suspect was arrested and charged with manslaughter Sunday and will be questioned in front of a judge on Monday.
A video circulating on social media showed what is believed to be the gunman in a dark vest and long shorts swinging a rifle around his shoulders while yelling, and then running.
Police were alerted to the incident at 5.37 pm on Sunday when they received reports of a shooting in Field’s mall.
“Copenhagen Police quickly arrived on the site where a 22-year-old male suspect was arrested,” police wrote on Twitter.
He was apprehended with a rifle and ammunition at 5.48 pm local time.
Police cannot yet confirm what the attacker’s motive was.
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said that “Denmark was hit by a cruel attack on Sunday night. Several were killed. Even more wounded. Innocent families shopping or eating out. Children, adolescents and adults.”
“Our beautiful and usually so safe capital was changed in a split second,” she said. “I want to encourage the Danes to stand together and support each other in this difficult time.”
Denmark’s Queen Margrethe and Crown Prince Frederik said in a statement that their “thoughts and deepest sympathy are with the victims, their relatives and all those affected by the tragedy.”
“The situation calls for unity and care,” the royals added.
British singer Harry Styles was scheduled to hold a concert about 650 meters from the mall at the Royal Arena, but it was eventually canceled.
“I’m heartbroken along with the people of Copenhagen. I adore this city. The people are so warm and full of love. I’m devastated for the victims, their families, and everyone hurting. I’m sorry we couldn’t be together. Please look after each other. H,” he wrote on Twitter. EFE
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