Norwegian police announced that they are treating the shooting incident that occurred late Friday night near two bars, one of which is a gay bar, in downtown Oslo as a "terrorist act." This incident resulted in two deaths and at least 21 injuries, with ten in critical condition, in the city center. The police confirmed that they are "investigating the events as a terrorist act" and disclosed the nationality of the shooter, stating he is "Norwegian of Iranian descent."
Christian Hatlo, a spokesperson for the Oslo police, mentioned that the suspect, whose identity has not been revealed, is known to the domestic intelligence agency responsible for counter-terrorism, and is also known to police for minor offenses such as carrying a knife and a conviction for drug possession. Police indicated that they had seized two firearms related to the attack: "a pistol and an automatic weapon." A scheduled pride parade was canceled following "clear" recommendations from the police, as announced by the organizers, since the events took place outside "London Pub," which is a well-known gay bar in the city, just hours before the pride event in Oslo.
Regarding the shooting details, Olaf Ruinberg, speaking to Norway's public broadcaster (NRK), recounted witnessing the gunfire, saying: "I saw a man arrive at the site with a bag... he took out a weapon and began shooting... Initially, I thought it was an air gun... then the window of the neighboring bar shattered, and I realized I needed to run for cover." Norwegian media reported that the shooting occurred outside London Pub, which has described itself as the most famous gay bar in Oslo since its opening in 1979.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre commented on Facebook: "The shooting outside London Pub in Oslo last night was a brutal and shocking attack against innocents," noting that "while the motive is unclear, the shooting has caused fear and sadness within the LGBTQ+ community." Støre added, "We all stand with you." Norwegian TV channel "TV 2" broadcast footage of people running through the streets of Oslo in a panic with gunshots echoing in the background.
