A shooting in central Uppsala, Sweden, on Tuesday, April 29, left three people dead and prompted a large-scale homicide investigation, according to local police. The incident occurred near Vaksala Square in the afternoon and has shaken the quiet university town.
The shooting took place around 5:00 p.m. local time, reportedly in or near a hair salon. Witnesses described hearing multiple gunshots and saw people fleeing the scene in panic. A masked suspect was seen escaping on an electric scooter. Police cordoned off the area and suspended train services temporarily as part of their investigation.
Emergency services responded quickly, but all three victims were pronounced dead at the scene. The identities of the victims have not yet been made public. Authorities are still searching for the suspect and have not confirmed any motive at this time.
Sweden’s Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer condemned the attack as a “brutal act of violence” and emphasized that the government is closely monitoring the situation. Officials have urged anyone with information to come forward to assist with the investigation.
Police are treating the shooting as a homicide and have not ruled out any leads. The method of escape—an electric scooter—has been noted in previous gang-related incidents, though no direct connection has been confirmed. Sweden has seen a rise in violent crimes linked to organized groups in recent years, prompting tougher legislation and expanded police powers.
The shooting in Uppsala marks another grim chapter in Sweden’s ongoing efforts to curb gun violence. Investigations are ongoing, and authorities continue to maintain a strong presence in the area.
