A teenager has been arrested following a deadly triple shooting in Uppsala, Sweden, which took place inside a city-center hair salon on Tuesday.
The attacker fled the scene on a scooter, triggering an intense police operation. By Wednesday, authorities confirmed that the person detained is under 18.
All three victims were between 15 and 20 years old, though police are still working to confirm their identities. Investigators are looking into the possibility that the shooting is linked to ongoing gang conflict. Reports from Swedish media suggest that one of the victims had prior contact with law enforcement due to a past investigation tied to a gang feud involving notorious leader Ismail Abdo, also known as “the strawberry.” That victim was never formally charged.
The shooting comes against a backdrop of rising youth involvement in violent crime across Sweden. In recent years, police have faced a troubling rise in offenses committed by teenagers, ranging from property crimes to murder. This latest incident adds to concerns over how young people are being recruited into criminal networks.
The Swedish government has responded with tough new proposals. Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer, in a press conference already scheduled to address gang violence, announced a push to allow surveillance of children under 15 without the need for strong proof of wrongdoing. Though he admitted it would raise privacy concerns, he said the aim is to stop gangs from luring in children as young as 10 or 11.
Tighter gun laws are also being discussed, as officials try to curb the use of firearms in these crimes. The urgency to act is growing, especially as Sweden prepares for public gatherings.
The shooting happened just before the start of Valborg, a traditional spring festival that draws large crowds to Uppsala, particularly among students. Events include river races, outdoor meals, and a major bonfire celebration. Despite the violence, police have not called for changes to the festivities. Local police chief Ã…sa Larsson said officers would be out in full force to ensure safety, but acknowledged that no outcome can be guaranteed.
The area around the salon remained blocked off after the attack. Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with gunshots followed by a rapid police response. One man reported hearing what sounded like fireworks, while another described police and emergency crews swarming the street within minutes.
As Sweden wrestles with a growing wave of gang-related violence involving teenagers, the events in Uppsala have become the latest flashpoint in a national conversation about safety, justice, and how best to protect the country’s youth.