Two people were killed and at least 19 were injured after a mass shooting in central Oslo. A man has been arrested, and the police believe there is one perpetrator behind it.
25 June 2022 01:49
Last updated just now
The case is being updated.
It was at 01.14 that the police received a number of reports that several shots had been fired at the nightclub London pub in the city center.
At 01.47, the police confirm that two people have been killed.
At least 19 people have been taken care of by the health service and sent to various health institutions, according to the police.
Eight have been sent to hospital, of which three are defined as seriously injured.
A further at least 12 are slightly injured without having needed further follow-up by the health service, says Tore Barstad, who is the police task leader on the spot.
The incident was defined as a so-called PLIVO incident (Ongoing life-threatening violence).
Man arrested – police received help from civilians
A man was arrested near the scene just after the incident, at 01.19. He was taken care of and taken to custody.
Video documentation from a passing witness shows the dramatic course of events when the suspected perpetrator was subsequently arrested.
Aftenposten has seen a longer excerpt of the video, which shows injured people lying on the ground in Rosenkrantz gate, while the suspect is apprehended by police with assistance from civilians and guards a few tens of meters away, in Kristian IVs gate.
Police confirm that civilians assisted during the arrest and that they also provided life-saving first aid to the injured. Task leader Tore Barstad says that they are very grateful for the effort.
The police do not want to go out with information about the man’s age or identity. Investigations are now being carried out at several addresses in the city, according to the task leader.
Barstad says that they have no reason to believe that there are more perpetrators.
It was Saturday night hot weather and very many people out in the streets of Oslo. There are a number of hotels and nightclubs in the area.
Aftenposten’s reporter on site tells of strong scenes and many strongly influenced people in the area.
NRK journalist saw man pick up weapon from bag
NRK’s reporter Olav Rønneberg saw the incident.
– I saw a man come to the place with a bag, he picked up a weapon and started shooting, Rønneberg says to NRK.
Aftenposten has spoken to two witnesses who were inside and dancing at the London pub when the shooting began. They tell of chaotic conditions and strong scenes.
– We suddenly heard gunshots. The window shattered. At first I thought someone had thrown a beer glass, but it was not. People started screaming and running, and there were many on the ground, they say. The music must have been stopped while the panic spread in the room.
Photos on social media also show that the guests at the nightclub hid in the basement.
Has gathered around 40 witnesses
Around 40 witnesses are to be gathered at a nearby hotel.
Barstad states just after 03.00 that they are in the process of extensive work to collect witness information and conduct technical investigations.
The police will also look for surveillance cameras and footage from the area, says Barstad.
Three crime scenes
Barstad states that there will be three venues: Outside the London Pub, the bar Herr Nilsen and a small fast food restaurant.
The London pub is a famous nightclub for gays. On Saturday, the Pride parade will be held for the fortieth time in Oslo.
– The police have been prepared for this week for quite some time. We are well aware that this is a place for gays, says Barstad.
Several have gathered near the scene with rainbow flags to show their support. The Oslo police state that they have appointed staff to assess what consequences the incident may have for Saturday’s planned parade.
The police do not want to comment on the type of weapon used, but at the moment it seems that only firearms have been used. Police say they have found two firearms.
Aftenposten’s reporter on the spot has spoken to a witness, who did not see but heard the incident. According to the person in question, there should be no doubt that this is an automatic weapon.
The incident is currently not defined as a terrorist incident, according to police. They must return to that, says the task leader.
Spontaneous rainbow marking
Early Saturday morning, a group of people with rainbow flags gathered near the crime scenes. Several of them came from Pride celebrations elsewhere in Oslo.
A group of over 20 people stood and waved the rainbow flags in a quiet marking at the crime scenes, while crying people who had been to the nightclubs, hugged each other and sat in the street in shock.
– We must show that those who commit such cruel acts should not be allowed to decide, says Sigmund Nilsen Myre.
He will continue to mark pride on Saturday.
– I’m not scared, I’m sorry, it’s just sad. We will raise the flag even higher tomorrow, that is the point of Pride, that we should not hide that you can love whoever you want. There is one reason why we celebrate, not only to show who we are, but also because we know that there is resistance in society, says Nilsen Myre.
