According to a report by Reuters on April 29 (Tuesday), the Swedish police stated that a shooting incident occurred near Vaksala Square in the city center of Uppsala, resulting in multiple fatalities.
Local Swedish media reported that just after 5 p.m., the police rushed to Vaksala Square in Uppsala after receiving multiple reports from witnesses regarding the incident.
Police spokesperson Magnus Jansson Klarin told local media that they received “numerous reports of loud noises resembling gunshots.”
In a statement, the police in the eastern city of Sweden revealed that “multiple injuries have been discovered, suggesting that the cause is gunfire.” Currently, an investigation into the case has been initiated.
The shooting incident, as reported by local news outlet “Expressen,” has resulted in multiple fatalities. The area has been cordoned off by the police, who have deployed helicopters to assist in the search for suspects.
Information obtained by local media indicates that the police are pursuing a suspect described as a male wearing sunglasses, dark clothing, and fleeing the scene on an electric skateboard.
Videos shared by witnesses on social media show a significant presence of police officers at the scene implementing lockdowns and deploying forces.
The shooting occurred on the eve of the Walpurgis festival, also known as “Walpurgis Night,” a spring celebration event that typically attracts large crowds in certain parts of Northern and Central Europe from the evening of April 30 to May 1.
Cities like Uppsala and Lund, known for their vibrant Walpurgis Night celebrations, host large public gatherings including bonfires, choir performances of traditional songs, fireworks displays, student parades, outdoor parties, and street festivities.
Some Swedish netizens commented on Instagram, attributing the incident to an increase in gang-related violence in Sweden. Recent data reports show a significant rise in gang-related explosive incidents from 149 in 2023 to 317 in 2024.
Uppsala had a population of around 242,000 in 2022 and has been experiencing frequent violent incidents. In 2022, the city reported over 24,000 cases of reported crimes, ranking 19th among 290 municipalities in terms of crime rates in Sweden.
The population of Uppsala is diverse, with 10.1% being foreign immigrants in 2022. In violent crimes in the city, 56% of arrested criminals are foreign-born individuals.
– Newscast Production Team