COPENHAGEN (Denmark) — On Sunday, a gunman shot at a Copenhagen mall. It was one of the most large in Scandinavia.
The suspected gunman, who is in custody, is a 22-year-old Danish man who was detained near the Fields shopping mall on the southern outskirts of the capital, said police inspector Soren Thomassen, head of the Copenhagen police operations unit.
” We know there are “several dead” and some injured, Thomassen said at a press conference. He also stated that terrorist acts cannot be excluded. We don’t know if there are other people involved. This is all we know .”
He did not provide further information about the victims, supsects or how many were injured or killed. This shopping center can be found in Copenhagen’s outskirts, just opposite a metro line connecting the city centre to the airport. Another major highway runs near Fields. It opened in 2004..
Images of the scene showed people running from the shopping center, while Denmark’s TV2 posted a picture of a man being taken to the hospital. People were seen hiding in shops and crying, according to witnesses.
Laurits Hismansen said that he heard the “three to four bangs” while shopping at a mall clothing shop with his family. These bangs were really loud. The shots sounded as if they were firing right next to the store .”
Copenhagen Mayor Sophie H. Andersen posted: “Terrible Reports of Shooting in Fields. Although we don’t know how many people were killed or injured, it is extremely serious .”
Police stated that they were alerted at 5: 36 GMT; 11: 36 EDT. Numerous fire trucks and police cars were also seen outside the mall.
” One person was arrested for the Fields shooting. Copenhagen police posted that they are unable to provide more information about the suspect. We have a large presence at Fields, and we are currently working to get an overview .”
A concert featuring Harry Styles, a former member of One Direction was planned for 8 p.m. (1800 GMT and 2 p.m. Eastern Time (EDT)) at the Royal Arena. The concert was not scheduled.
Styles posted on Snapchat: “My team, I pray for all involved in the Copenhagen shopping center shooting. I am shocked. I love H .”
Shortly after shooting was completed, the royal palace announced that a reception planned for Crown Prince Frederik in connection with the Tour de France cycling race had been cancelled. According to the palace, this year’s first three stages were held in Denmark. Reception to take place on royal yacht, moored at Soenderborg (the town that saw the end of the third stage).
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Karl Ritter was reported from Unterseen in Switzerland.
