Terrorism charges after gunman opens fire at Oslo gay bar, killing two on Pride parade day

Terrorism charges for man who fatally shot two people and injured at least 21 others outside one of Norway’s largest queer venues in Oslo.

 

A 42-year-old man has been arrested and charged with murder, attempted murder and terrorist acts after opening fire in the centre of Norway’s capital, Oslo.

 

Two people were killed and 21 injured in the overnight attack, which began hours before the city’s LGBTQ community was due to celebrate its annual Pride parade.

 

Reuters report the shooter embarked on a terrifying rampage inside a popular gay bar, the London Pub, which then expanded to the surrounding streets.

 

There was gunfire at about 01:00 local time (23:00 GMT) on Saturday, in three locations including the gay bar.

 

 

“Many people were crying and screaming, the injured were screaming, people were distressed and scared – very, very scared,” said Marcus Nybakken, 46, who had left the London Pub shortly before the shooting and returned later to help.

“My first thought was that Pride was the target, so that’s frightening.”

Oslo’s annual Pride parade was due to be held on Saturday, but has been cancelled following police advice.

“We will soon be proud and visible again, but today, we will share our Pride celebrations from home,” a statement on the Oslo Pride website said.

 

“There is reason to think that this may be a hate crime,” police said in a press conference later on Saturday.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere called it a “terrible and deeply shocking attack on innocent people”.

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