Wave of Weekend Shootings Spurs Political Outrage and Calls for Action in Sweden
A weekend spike in gang shootings across Swedish cities including Gävle, Stockholm, and Södertälje has led to a fatality and multiple injuries, prompting political leaders to condemn the violence and stress the need for continued anti-crime efforts.
- • Three individuals shot over the weekend in Gävle, Stockholm, and Södertälje, with one fatality in Gävle and one in Södertälje.
- • No arrests have been made yet in connection with the shootings in Gävle and Stockholm; two arrests followed the Södertälje incident.
- • Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer called the violence 'dark' and highlighted the need for sustained anti-crime strategies despite a recent halving of shootings.
- • Social Democratic leader Magdalena Andersson described the events as a dark evening for Sweden, emphasizing public safety concerns.
Key details
Over the weekend of October 25-26, 2025, Sweden witnessed a troubling surge in gang-related shootings across multiple cities, sparking political condemnation and renewed focus on combating violent crime. Three individuals were shot: an 18-year-old man was killed in Södertälje on Friday night; on Saturday evening in Gävle, a young man in his late teens was fatally shot at a playground while another sustained serious but stable injuries; and a man was shot in Rinkeby, Stockholm, also reported in serious but stable condition.
The fatal shooting in Gävle occurred at Stenebergsparken in Brynäs, where witnesses heard multiple gunshots. Police are investigating links to criminal networks, referencing a recent mass shooting in Gävle three weeks prior that left six people wounded. Authorities appealed for Tesla owners' video footage to aid the investigation. No arrests have been made yet for the Gävle and Stockholm incidents, though police have arrested two suspects following the Södertälje shooting.
Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer described the weekend violence as "dark" and referred to the current levels of gang-related violence as "indecent." Speaking at the Moderaterna party conference, Strömmer acknowledged the police’s success in halving shootings over the last three years due to new strategies, but warned that gang conflicts remain intense, posing risks of revenge attacks and further violence. He called for continued offensive efforts against crime, emphasizing accountability for perpetrators.
Social Democratic leader Magdalena Andersson highlighted the gravity of the events, calling Saturday a "dark evening for Sweden" and underscoring the urgency of ensuring public safety. The shooting wave has reignited debates on crime prevention and the effectiveness of current law enforcement policies.
The violence has left communities in shock and mourning, with former football coach Anders paying tribute to the Gävle victim as a "good kid." Local residents noted that the neighborhood had been calmer in recent years, contrasting with the recent surge in violent incidents. Police investigations remain ongoing as authorities seek to dismantle criminal networks responsible and prevent further tragedies.