A teenager was arrested in connection with a deadly shooting that took place at a barber shop in Uppsala, Sweden, on April 29, 2025. The attack resulted in the deaths of three young men, aged 15 to 20, who were shot in the head while getting their hair cut. Reports indicate that a masked gunman chased one of the victims into the shop before opening fire, killing him and two others, with two victims still wearing barbershop capes when they died. The assailant fled the scene on an electric scooter.
Swedish police have confirmed that the suspect is a 16-year-old, though the identities of the victims remain unverified. Local authorities are investigating whether the attack is linked to ongoing gang violence in the area. One of the victims was known to be involved in the investigation of a previous gang-related incident. The shooting follows a troubling history of gang violence in Uppsala, which includes the 2023 murder of a gang leader’s mother, an event that contributed to escalating criminal activity in the region.
Criminologist Manne Gerell warned of the high risk of retaliation following such incidents, which could lead to further shootings and pose a danger to the public. This event comes amidst a broader surge in teenage gang violence in Sweden, which has drawn national concern. In response, the Swedish government has proposed new measures, including expanded wiretap powers for police to combat the recruitment of young children into gangs.
The shooting occurred on the evening of the Walpurgis Spring festival, a popular event in Uppsala, which was expected to draw large crowds. Authorities reassured the public that they should proceed with their plans but urged vigilance and reporting of any suspicious activity.
Sweden’s ongoing battle with gang violence has led to an alarming increase in the use of children for violent acts, including contract killings. Many of these young recruits are targeted through social media platforms, where they are promised large sums of money for committing crimes. This disturbing trend has prompted law enforcement to push for tougher measures against gang-related crimes involving minors, including reconsidering current laws that protect under-15s from prosecution.
