Two Stockholm shootings raise risk of further violence, expert says

Two people have been killed in shootings in southern Stockholm in less than a week, raising the risk of further attacks, criminologist Manne Gerell told SVT.

A woman in her 20s was shot dead last Saturday in a sports hall in Älvsjö while activities for children were taking place. On Friday evening, a man in his 20s was shot in Bagarmossen. Police later said he had died of his injuries.

Gerell, an associate professor of criminology at Malmö University, said shootings occurring so close together can indicate that a conflict has flared up or become more active. He said a fatal shooting can sharply increase the risk of further attacks, as cycles of violence and revenge may escalate.

Police have urged residents in Älvsjö and Bagarmossen to remain calm. Local police chief Kristoffer Olsson said the shootings had caused fear and insecurity, but described the locations as safe and said the risk of such incidents was very small. Police are continuing their preventive work and are seeking the unidentified suspect in the Bagarmossen shooting.

There are currently no indications that the two shootings are connected.