A gunman opened fire at a shopping mall in Denmark, killing at least three people and wounding others, local authorities said.
Local police chief Soeren Thomassen said a 22-year-old man had been arrested in connection with the attack, but the motive was unclear. An “act of terrorism” cannot be ruled out, he said.
The shooting happened at Field’s, the largest shopping center in the country. The mall, which houses over 140 shops and restaurants, is located on the outskirts of Copenhagen, right in front of a metro line that connects to the city hub.
Police described the suspect as an “ethnic Dane” and said there was no indication that other people were involved in the shooting. The mall’s store owners were required to preserve any Sunday surveillance video.
Witnesses say the attack caused shoppers to panic after a volley of gunshots was heard.
Multiple people have been killed and injured in the shooting, authorities said. However, the number of victims is still unclear.
According to Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, the country had suffered a “cruel attack on Sunday night.”
Ms. Frederiksen also sent her condolences to the victims’ families, saying: “Several were killed. Even more wounded. Innocent families shopping or eating out. Children, adolescents and adults. Our beautiful and usually so safe capital was changed in a split second.”
The Prime Minister also called on the Danes to come together and support each other at this very difficult time.
Queen Margaret, Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark also sent their “deepest sympathy” to the families who lost their loved ones and all those affected by the tragedy.
Shortly after the statement, the royal family canceled a reception hosted by Crown Prince Frederik to celebrate the country hosting the Tour de France’s first three stages.
A concert by British singer Harry Styles, set to take place less than a mile from Field’s, was also canceled. “My team and I pray for everyone involved in the Copenhagen shopping mall shooting. I am shocked. Love H,” the star wrote on Snapchat.
Leaders from neighboring nations condemned the attack and offered condolences to the victims and their relatives, including Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin and Norwegian leader Jonas Gahr Store.
