Oslo: Two dead after attack on LGBTQ pub

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A police officer secures the crime scene in Oslo: Suspect overpowered with the help of civilians

Photo: Javad Parsa/EPA

It was the evening before the big Pride parade in Oslo: After the attack on the London Pub in Oslo, which is popular with gays, with at least two fatalities, there was dismay and grief in Norway.

"The police are treating the case as an act of terrorism," the authorities said.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre called the attack a "cruel and deeply shocking attack on innocent people," according to broadcaster NRK.

The Social Democrat wrote: "My thoughts are with those affected and their families." At the moment it is not yet known what is behind this terrible act, "but I would like to say to the queer people who are afraid and mourning that we all support you are,” says Støre.

According to the police, a lone gunman had opened fire on the club during the night.

At least two people were killed and another 19 were injured and required treatment in hospitals and doctor's offices.

At least three of them are said to have been seriously wounded.

The motive for the crime is so far unclear.

Apartment searched, weapons seized

The suspect was overpowered with the help of civilians and was arrested by the police.

According to the NRK, it is a man known to the police who refused to cooperate with the officers during the night, saying he had not yet commented.

Police searched his home and firearms were used in the attack, two of which were seized, NRK said, citing a police spokesman.

Police have not released any further information about the suspect's identity or age.

NRK reporter Olav Rønneberg was an eyewitness to the crime.

He said he saw a man coming to the scene with a bag.

He took a gun and started shooting.

At first he didn't assume it was a sharp weapon, but when the glass of a window pane shattered, he looked for cover.

There was a panic in the nightclub, the reporter reported.

According to NRK, there are said to be two other crime scenes near the club.

The bars were full at the time, numerous people were celebrating the Pride, but suddenly there was despair, dead people were lying on the street.

The affected club in a trendy neighborhood not far from the university expressed concern on Facebook after the attack.

"Our thoughts are with the dead, injured and relatives," says the post, for which a picture with two hands in rainbow colors was published.

“All employees are safe and physically unharmed.

Take care of each other during this time.« According to media reports, unharmed guests found refuge in the Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz across the street after the attack.

Solberg speaks of attacking love

The 40th Pride Parade was to take place in Oslo on Saturday.

However, the event has now been cancelled, as the organizers announced.

This was recommended by the police, according to several media reports, it is now important to think of each other and to work from home for the rights of queer people.

According to Norwegian radio, the long-time former Prime Minister Erna Solberg spoke of an "attack on love".

It is an attack on the freedom to love whoever you want.

She herself, according to the right-wing liberal politician, wanted to visit the Pride parade to send a signal that she was on the side of those who wanted to be herself.

Apr/dpa/Reuters/AFP