Gunman Opens Fire in Oslo, Prompts Shopping Centre Evacuation
In a startling incident this morning, a gunman opened fire at the Storo Storsenter shopping centre in northern Oslo. A 19-year-old male suspect called the police prior to the attack, claiming to be armed within the premises. Panic ensued as shoppers attempted to flee, leading to an emergency evacuation orchestrated by police.
Incident Details
Authorities reported that just before the shots were fired, officers arrived at the scene, quickly surrounding the shopping complex. The suspect was apprehended shortly afterward while officers conducted thorough searches throughout the building.
Response and Investigation
- Police searched nearly all areas of the centre within 30 minutes.
- A single shot was reportedly fired, striking the ceiling.
- No injuries were reported following initial investigations.
Police recovered a shotgun, a bag of ammunition, a knife, and a baseball bat from the vicinity of the suspect. Tor Grottum, operations chief for the Oslo police, remarked on the seriousness of the event, expressing relief that no one was wounded. He emphasized the swift police response as a crucial factor in preventing a more catastrophic outcome.
Aftermath and Safety Measures
Following the incident, the Storo Storsenter shopping centre was deemed safe and reopened later. However, a significant police presence remained, including squad cars and a helicopter, as emergency personnel continued their work. Authorities advised the public to avoid the area to allow for an effective response.