"3 Dead in Shooting at Copenhagen Mall, Denmark...Suspect in 20s Arrested (Comprehensive)"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] A shooting incident occurred on the 3rd (local time) at a shopping mall in Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, resulting in 3 deaths and 3 serious injuries, according to police announcements cited by AP News and others.

According to reports, Soren Thomassen, Chief of Copenhagen Police, stated at a press conference that the victims included one man in his 40s and two teenagers. Chief Thomassen said, "A 22-year-old Danish man was arrested at the scene immediately after the incident. At the time of arrest, he was carrying a rifle and ammunition," adding, "We are confident that this white male is the perpetrator and there is no indication of accomplices."

The shooting took place at Fields Mall, a large shopping mall located in the Amager area between downtown Copenhagen and the airport. Since the incident occurred in a crowded shopping mall, the police are not ruling out the possibility of terrorism. Witnesses reported that after the gunshots, people in the mall hid in stores or fled in a hurry.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Danish broadcaster TV2 published a photo of the suspect wearing knee-length shorts and a sleeveless T-shirt, holding an object presumed to be a firearm in his right hand. Witness Mahdi Al Wazni told TV2, "He (the suspect) was very violent and looked angry," adding, "He spoke to me and said the rifle was not real. He seemed very proud of what he was doing."

AP reported, "Shooting incidents are rare in Denmark." A concert by British singer Harry Styles was scheduled at a venue about 1.6 km from the shopping mall at 8 p.m. that day. The concert organizers canceled the event after close discussions with the police. Additionally, the royal reception hosted by Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark in honor of the world's top road cycling race, the Tour de France, was also canceled.

Sofie H. Andersen, Mayor of Copenhagen, tweeted, "Terrible reports have come out about the Fields Mall shooting," adding, "It is not yet clear how many people were injured, but it is very serious." Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said, "Denmark has been subjected to a brutal attack," and "I offer my deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones."

This incident occurred about a week after a large-scale shooting in neighboring Norway, which left 2 dead and more than 20 injured.