Swedish police have arrested a teenager in connection with a deadly triple shooting at a hair salon in Uppsala on Tuesday.
The shooter, who reportedly fled the scene on a scooter, sparked an immediate manhunt. Authorities confirmed on Wednesday that the suspect is under 18 years old.
The victims, aged between 15 and 20, were fatally shot at the salon, although Swedish police have not yet fully confirmed their identities. The chief of police for the region, Erik Åkerlund, stated that investigations are ongoing, with a particular focus on whether the attack is linked to gang-related violence.
One of the victims is known to law enforcement, having previously been involved in an investigation concerning a planned assault on a relative of notorious gang leader Ismail Abdo. However, no charges were filed. Abdo, who is often referred to as ‘jordgubben’ or ‘the strawberry,’ is a prominent figure in Sweden’s criminal underworld.
The murder at the hair salon is believed to be connected to a new chapter in the violent gang wars gripping Sweden. The conflict escalated last year following the murder of Abdo’s mother in Uppsala, a crime that marked a significant turning point in the ongoing violence.
Sweden has seen an alarming rise in gang-related crimes, particularly among teenagers. The government is taking action, with a proposal to introduce legislation that would allow police to wiretap children as young as 15.
Minister of Justice Gunnar Strömmer has acknowledged that the measures would be a significant breach of privacy, but argued they are necessary to combat the recruitment of children as young as 10 and 11 into gang activities.
In addition to the wiretap proposal, the government is considering tighter gun laws in an effort to curb the violence that has overwhelmed parts of the country.
The shooting occurred just days before the Walpurgis spring festival, known locally as Valborg, when Uppsala—a vibrant university town north of Stockholm—is typically filled with students celebrating with champagne breakfasts, herring lunches, and a raft race along the river. A large bonfire is also planned for Wednesday evening, marking the start of spring festivities.
Despite the tragedy, local police chief Åsa Larsson urged those planning to attend the Valborg celebrations not to alter their plans.
However, she encouraged visitors to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to the authorities. A heavy police presence is expected in Uppsala over the coming days, but Larsson cautioned that “there are no guarantees” against further incidents of violence.
Eyewitnesses described the terrifying moments following the shooting. One witness, speaking to Swedish TV channel TV4, recounted hearing rapid gunshots: “Everything happened so fast. It just went bang, bang, bang.” Another local, who was cooking at home, said he heard what he initially thought were fireworks. “I was very surprised and scared,” he said, recalling the swarm of police and ambulances that soon arrived to cordon off the area.
As the investigation continues, authorities are determined to uncover the full scope of the attack and its possible connections to the country’s deepening gang violence.
