Following an initial questioning in a municipal court on Monday, the man accused in a shooting that left three people dead and several others injured in Denmark was ordered to spend 24 days in a closed psychiatric ward, according to Danish police.
The 22-year-old Danish citizen, who allegedly opened fire on consumers in the Field’s mall on Sunday afternoon, was charged with manslaughter and intent to kill. The mall lies a couple of miles south of the center of Copenhagen.
The incident occurred while Denmark hosted the first three stages of the Tour de France cycle race, as hundreds of thousands of enthusiastic Danes flooded the country’s streets.
The suspected shooter, whose identity is protected from public disclosure, allegedly shot and killed a 47-year-old Russian national who was a resident of Denmark and two 17-year-olds, one male and one female. Four additional victims suffered bullet wounds.
According to a health representative from Danish emergency medical services, three of them are now stable, while one is still in serious condition.
Two Swedish nationals, a 16-year-old girl and a 50-year-old male, were injured.
Some people suffered minor injuries while fleeing the area, although not from gunshots.
According to the available data, the incident could not be classified as an “act of terror,” Chief Police Inspector Soren Thomassen told reporters earlier on Monday. He also said there was no proof the suspect had collaborated with others.
“There has been some sort of deliberation and preparation (by the suspect) up to this terrible event,” Thomassen stated at a press conference without elaborating on the potential motives of the culprit.
“Our current assessment is that these are random victims,” Thomassen added.
The attack took place as many young people came to the mall in anticipation of a concert by British singer Harry Styles not far from the shopping center on Sunday night. The event was canceled.
Styles said, “I’m heartbroken along with the people of Copenhagen. I adore this city. The people are so warm and full of love. I’m devastated for the victims, their families, and everyone hurting.”
“I’m sorry we couldn’t be together. Please look after each other,” Styles said.
When the suspect was taken into custody, he allegedly had a rifle, ammo, and a knife. The police claimed he was well-known by psychiatrists in Denmark.
Danish gun restrictions are tight, and all weapons, besides a few hunting rifles, require a police-issued license. Police claimed that the suspect had used firearms that are legal in Denmark, but he lacked the proper authorization to use them.
The incident prompted Nordisk Film, the country’s largest theater chain, to close its locations on Monday. Nordisk Film operates a theater at the Field’s shopping center.
