Violent Incidents and Public Disorder Mar Christmas 2025 Across Sweden

The Christmas night of 2025 saw widespread violent incidents and public disorder in cities across Sweden, marked by reckless use of fireworks, assaults, police chases, and a fatal violent crime in Boden.

In Västerås, unknown assailants fired fireworks from a moving car toward people and a grocery store at 00:26, prompting police investigations for harassment though no suspects were apprehended. Similarly, in Gällivare, fireworks were shot from a balcony causing property damage, leading to suspicions of vandalism against a man and a woman. Other cities including Uppsala, Hudiksvall, and Sundsvall experienced multiple violent disturbances with several individuals arrested on charges ranging from assault to drug offenses. Notably, Uppsala police took about 30 people into custody under laws addressing public intoxication, while Västerås had 15 similarly detained.

Additional public disorder included an incident on the E18 highway involving a police chase that ended with a driver stopped by a spike strip, suspected of serious traffic crimes such as gross drunk driving. In Värmland, authorities reported numerous assaults and drug-related arrests, including a knife-related offense in Karlstad. Meanwhile, a woman in Umeå was suspected of assaulting a security guard, illustrating disorder across diverse regions.

On Christmas Day itself, a separate and tragic violent crime unfolded in Boden where a 55-year-old woman was found dead. Two other people were hospitalized following the incident. The 20-year-old suspected assailant died after being shot by police. Authorities noted no known prior connection between the suspect and victims and are continuing a full investigation, including an inquiry into the police shooting.

Overall, the night was marked by numerous police interventions across the country involving fireworks-related harassment, public assaults, drug offenses, and dangerous traffic violations, painting a picture of unrest during the holiday celebrations. Police spokesperson Magnus Jansson Klarin highlighted the intensity of incidents in Uppsala and Västerås, while other regions reported a mix of serious and less severe disturbances. The police continue their investigations and detentions relating to the Christmas period incidents.