Teenage Suspect Detained After Triple Fatal Shooting Shakes Uppsala

A 16-year-old boy has been taken into custody by Swedish police following a deadly shooting in the city of Uppsala on Tuesday. Authorities confirmed the teenager is among several individuals being questioned regarding the fatal incident, which claimed the lives of three people aged between 15 and 20.

The shooting occurred near Vaksala Square and triggered an extensive police response. Witnesses reported hearing loud bangs resembling gunfire, and several individuals were found with gunshot wounds. Police suspect the shooter fled the scene on an electric scooter, according to local broadcaster SVT.

Law enforcement has been conducting door-to-door inquiries to gather additional details from residents in the area. Swedish police spokesperson Magnus Klarin noted that several reports of bangs were received, though limited information was released before the victims' deaths were officially confirmed. Authorities have not yet notified the victims’ families.

The motive for the attack remains unknown. However, it occurs amid a concerning rise in violence linked to organized crime. The European Parliament recently highlighted Sweden's struggle with a wave of gang-related violence, which has intensified in recent years.

Statistics show that in 2023, Sweden experienced the highest per capita rate of deadly gun violence in the EU. Though the number of fatalities has declined slightly in 2024—with 40 confirmed gun-related deaths—it remains alarmingly high for a country with a population of just 10 million.

This tragedy comes only months after another devastating shooting in Örebro, where a gunman opened fire in an adult education center, killing 10 people and injuring six. Despite strict gun ownership regulations, Sweden continues to grapple with violent crimes involving firearms, often linked to illegal weapons and gang activity.