The arrested 13-year-old suspected of Friday’s restaurant shooting in Gävle, Sweden, was previously known to both police and social services. The incident has sparked strong concern among local residents and led to increased police presence in the area.
Police and social services have confirmed that the suspected 13-year-old is not unknown to authorities and acknowledge having had previous contact with the boy. He is now suspected of six counts of attempted murder and aggravated weapons offenses.
Information from social authorities shows that the boy has connections to a criminal group in Gävle, which has once again highlighted the vulnerability of children and young people and their involvement in gang crime.
Several local residents have expressed their fear and frustration about violence directed at the public in media interviews, calling for both immediate action and long-term solutions.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer are reportedly scheduled to visit Gävle on Monday. During the visit, they are expected to meet with police, municipal representatives, and visit the crime scene on Södra Kungsgatan where six people were injured.
The visit is intended to demonstrate the government’s commitment and willingness to show support, while also reviewing the security situation in Gävle.
Translation: “As I said. We have a f*cking uphill battle to walk, when this is what someone writes to their caseworker at social services after just having shot six people, with unclear outcome regarding survival.
‘Check the news hehe’“.
Translation: “The suspected 14-year-old behind the mass shooting in Gävle Sweden is linked to a local gang in the Sätra district, G15. The gang has previously been involved in several shootings”.
Police: Clear picture of the sequence of events
Following Friday’s shooting, police have increased their presence in the area to create safety and stability.
— This type of incident creates insecurity, which is why we will continue to be visible and available to the public in places where many people move around, says a representative from the investigation section in Gävleborg County.
The investigation is ongoing at full capacity, and police report that they have a clear picture of the sequence of events.
Meanwhile, responsibility for the boy now also lies with social services, which must decide what measures should be taken. It remains unclear whether the arrested boy will continue to be held in custody.
Friday’s serious violent crime in Gävle has once again focused attention on the problem of young people involved in serious crime and gang criminality. Municipal representatives in Gävle have promised to intensify efforts to support vulnerable youth and prevent them from falling into criminal paths.
Six people were injured in the shooting. All were taken to hospital by ambulance, and three of them are still receiving hospital care. The injuries are mainly to the lower body, but police report that none of the injured have life-threatening injuries. The injured are young adults, and one or more are under 18 years old.
