Gävle Juvenile Mass Shooting: 13-Year-Old Charged with 29 Counts of Attempted Murder Linked to Foxtrot Gang

On October 4, 2026, a shocking mass shooting occurred in the Swedish city of Gävle, injuring six young people, some under 18. A 13-year-old boy opened fire on Södra Kungsgatan shortly before 2 AM, discharging nine shots into a crowd. Prosecutor Jenny Örn revealed that 29 people were put in serious danger, including all six injured, prompting the filing of 29 separate counts of attempted murder against the juvenile suspect.

The prosecution indicated that none of the victims were intended targets. The juvenile is undergoing a legal process called "bevistalan," a court assessment of culpability without a criminal sentence, as perpetrators under 15 are not criminally liable in Sweden. Authorities noted the boy was about to be taken into custody at the time of the shooting.

Investigators have connected the shooting to gang-related violence, specifically the Foxtrot gang. Ali Shehab, a leader within that criminal network and ally of another gangster, Rawa Majid, is wanted for his alleged role in incitement to attempted murder linked to this event. Shehab is currently detained in Iraq and sought for extradition to Sweden.

Significantly, the weapon used was a police-issued Sig Sauer pistol marked "Property of Police," raising questions about its origin. The boy was reportedly in communication with gang leaders during the shooting via a wireless earbud purchased shortly before the attack and used an encrypted messaging app for orders.

Eyewitness accounts describe how some victims sought refuge in nearby restaurants, with employees like Hampus Östlund providing urgent assistance by staunching bleeding wounds. The attack happened just as the bars were closing, intensifying the chaos.

This incident highlights ongoing challenges Swedish authorities face with juvenile involvement in serious violent crime and the influence of organized gangs. The court will soon decide on the specifics of charges and culpability. The community remains on alert as the investigation continues and efforts to apprehend Ali Shehab press forward.