Norway has declared its highest terror alert level following Saturday night’s attack on a nightclub in the capital Oslo that killed two and injured more than a dozen, some seriously. The threat of terrorism is now estimated at level five, previously level 3. Reason: The probability of a terrorist threat is “extremely” high.
The Norwegian secret service PST said Saturday’s act in the capital was classified as Islamist terrorism. Police say a man, later arrested, shot several people in and on the street in front of the gay-friendly London Pub and another nearby bar in the city center early that morning.
Perpetrator known as “radical Islamist”.
Just minutes later, the police arrested a 42-year-old Norwegian citizen of Iranian descent as a suspected lone perpetrator. A fully automatic weapon and another firearm were seized at the scene. According to the police, the suspect had already committed less serious violence as a “radical Islamist” and had been known to the authorities since 2015. In the past, the man was also diagnosed with a mental illness.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Störe spoke of a “terrible and deeply shocking attack on innocent people”. “We don’t know yet what is behind this terrible act, but to the queer people who are scared and sad, I want to say we stand with you,” he told NTB news agency.
King Harald said he and the royal family were shocked by the attack. “We must stand together and defend our values: freedom, diversity and mutual respect,” said the 85-year-old monarch. Norwegian police, which are normally not armed, would now carry weapons as a precaution until further notice.
Panic broke out after shots were fired in the well-known gay bar, which has been around since 1979. “A lot of people were crying and screaming, even the injured were screaming, people were desperate and scared – very, very scared,” said an eyewitness. “My first thought was that Pride Day was the target and that’s scary.” A reporter said he was in the area at the time of the crime and saw a man arrive with a bag, pull out a gun and the shooting began: “When I saw windows break and realized I had to take cover.”
The crime came just months after Norway celebrated the 50th anniversary of the decriminalization of homosexuality.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
