Police in Copenhagen have shot dead a man they suspect of being behind the two fatal shooting attacks over the last 24 hours in the city.
The suspect was shot and killed in Norrebro, in the north of the Danish capital.
Police had a property in Norrebro under surveillance after a taxi driver reported that he had dropped off a man fitting the suspect’s description at the location after the first shooting.
Jens Madsen, head of the Danish intelligence agency PET, said that the man had been on the agency’s radar for some time, and the security services were working to determine if he had any links to groups in Iraq or Syria. He said that they were working on the assumption that the gunman may have been inspired by the recent shootings at Charlie Hebdo and a Kosher supermarket in Paris, that left 17 people dead last month.
Video evidence showed that the same man appeared to have been behind both attacks, and police have said that they do not believe that anyone else was involved.
On Saturday, a masked gunman opened fire at a debate about blasphemy and freedom of expression at a Copenhagen cafe, killing a 55-year-old man identified as Danish film director Finn Norgaard and injuring three policemen. A few hours later in the early hours of Sunday, the same gunman opened fire outside Copenhagen’s Great Synagogue, killing one civilian and injuring two police officers.
In a statement, Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt said:
“It is a very sad morning when we think of the victims and their relatives. Two innocent people have lost their lives as a result of a cynical act of terror against Denmark.
“All through the day and night, the police have acted quickly and determinedly to ensure the safety of Copenhagen’s residents. I am happy and relieved that the police have disarmed the alleged perpetrator behind the two shootings.
“I will continue to encourage everyone to follow police instructions and be vigilant.
“I would like to express my deepest respect for the police and other authorities efforts. This applies especially to the wounded officers and their colleagues who selflessly put themselves in direct danger to protect us.
“The government is closely monitoring developments. No one should get away with attacking the open, free and democratic Danish society.”
Speaking to the press, the prime minister also said that Denmark stood in support of its Jewish community:
“Our thoughts go to the whole Jewish community today.They belong in Denmark, they are a strong part of our community and we will do everything we can to protect the Jewish community in our country.”
