Three Killed in Uppsala Hair Salon Shooting Ahead of Festival

• Apr 29, 2025

Three people have died in a shooting at a hair salon in Uppsala, Sweden, just before a major local festival.

The shooting happened near Vaksala Square, a central area in the city, according to Swedish media reports. Uppsala police confirmed the deaths and said a large section of the area has been sealed off as investigations continue. Authorities have launched a murder investigation and are still searching for the suspect, who fled the scene on a scooter.

The shooting took place on the eve of Walpurgis Night, a spring festival that draws large crowds to Uppsala’s streets. The city, located north of Stockholm, is well known for its university and vibrant student life. The timing of the attack, so close to a major public event, has raised concerns about public safety in the area.

Local reports did not give details about the victims or whether they were connected to the hair salon. Police have not released the identities of those killed and have urged witnesses to come forward with any information that could help locate the suspect.

Authorities are working to determine the motive behind the attack. While gun violence is relatively rare in Sweden compared to other countries, there has been growing concern in recent years over a rise in gang-related shootings, especially in urban areas.

The use of a scooter as a getaway vehicle has also drawn attention, as this method has been used in other violent incidents in the country. Investigators are reviewing security footage and speaking to witnesses in an effort to track down the shooter.

The shooting has shocked the community and comes at a time when the city was preparing to celebrate the Walpurgis festival, an annual tradition marking the arrival of spring.

Police presence in Uppsala has now been increased ahead of the festival to ensure public safety, and local leaders have called for calm as the investigation continues.