A memorial service will be held in the cathedral of the Norwegian capital Oslo on Sunday for the victims of the deadly shooting at a gay nightclub last Friday night. The attack killed two people and injured 21. The police believe it is an act of terrorism.
The suspected perpetrator has been arrested. It concerns a 42-year-old Norwegian of Iranian descent. He is known to the police and also to the intelligence services that fight terrorism. According to the police, it would be a radicalized Islamist. It is still unclear what his motive was. Among other things, the mental health of the man is looked at.
Norwegian Crown Prince Haakon and his wife Mette-Marit, among others, attend the memorial service on Sunday. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre is also present, broadcaster NRK reports. “This is shaking up our entire society,” said a church representative. “Those of us who are queer need to get solidarity and support from everyone else now.”
pride
The London Pub, where the attack took place, is a famous gay nightclub in Norway. This weekend Pride will be celebrated in various places in Oslo. But a parade planned for this Saturday in the capital was canceled in light of the events.
Oslo police have sent additional patrols into the city and armed all officers. The Norwegian police normally patrol unarmed. Security service PST has raised the national terror alert to the highest level, because the chance of a terrorist threat is “extremely” high, according to NRK.