Terrorist attacks in Copenhagen: a sequence close to Paris (update)
(BRUSSELS2) Three successive incidents took place in Copenhagen between Saturday and Sunday (14-15 February), the sequence of which is reminiscent of the Paris attacks of 7-9 January. Three places targeted, three symbolic places with the same triptych as in Paris: freedom of expression, Jews, police.
1. Saturday afternoon (15:30 p.m.), at the cultural center of The powder keg : 1 dead, 3 injured
In this center takes place a conference on "Art, blasphemy, freedom of expression and censorship", with the Swedish artist Lars Vilks, the Ukrainian Femen Inna Shevchenko, and the Polish artist Agnieszka kolek (who lives in London and takes care of "Passion for freedom"). The French Ambassador to Denmark, François Zimeray (former MEP and former French Ambassador for Human Rights) is also present. Vilks is under police protection. Many shots ring out. During the exchange of fire, a 55-year-old civilian was killed. We will learn later that it is the Danish director Finn Nørgaard. Two of the PET bodyguards - the Danish police intelligence service who ensure his protection - and a policeman will be injured. Supported by the emergency services, they are out of danger “says the police. The attacker flees.
A manhunt is organized. The police are mobilizing significant resources. In addition to the police, the Ministry of Defense mobilizes an aircraft. The description of one of the suspects (at that time, the police suspected 2 people) spotted by the surveillance cameras is broadcast. A young man of 25-30, white skin, with an anorak and cap, carrying a short weapon in his hand.
The first reactions are coming. Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, claims that the " determination (of Europeans) to fight against all forms of'extremism is reinforced by such attacks. (...) I we will have to face this threat together. » The 28 leaders adopted a declaration on Thursday setting a series of priorities ranging from the European PNR to the fight against radicalization or cooperation with third countries (read also on the Club: The fight against terrorism becomes an element of foreign policy. The 15 axes of action of the EU).
2. Saturday night (0h45). At the synagogue of Krystalgade: 1 dead, 2 injured
A person arrives and starts shooting. 2 wounded: a policeman is hit in the leg, the other in the arm, their life is not involved. Another shot is deadly. A synagogue keeper who was filtering the access is seriously injured in the head. He will die a few hours later. The police respond but the author of the shots manages to flee
The police recommend that the inhabitants of Copenhagen stay at home, that cyclists circulate and respect certain areas placed under protection.
3. Sunday, early morning (5am). In the district of Nørrebro: 1 death
The police a placed under surveillance a suspect accommodation in the Nørrebro district and monitors the entire area around Mjølnerparken. According to what the police say, un men arrives who responds to the suspect's report. He does not respond to police summons and open fire, the police respond and kill the man. No No injuries are reported among the police. The man killed would be the suspected author of the shooting according to the first elements. A similarity confirmed by the police spokesperson during the day. " A 22-year-old young man, born in Denmark, known to the police for several criminal offenses, with weapons and violence” like being linked to criminal gangs. It was " in possession of two guns and wearing similar clothing to the one who attacked krystalgade. During their search, the police will put their hands on clothing and an automatic weapon that appears to match those used by the shooter at Krudttønden ».
NB: this new attack should, in any case, put an end to a certain wait-and-see attitude, both at the level of the European Commission and the European Parliament, which will now be under pressure from events. Because the sequence of attacks does not seem to be closed. Read also: Fight against terrorism. Do not hurry!
(NGV)
Updated - 15.02 - 23h with the latest details from the Danish police
