Published: Just now
Seven people shot in one day in Greater Stockholm. And more can wait, according to Manne Gerell, a criminologist who researches gang violence at Malmö University.
– After an act like this, the risk is greatly increased that you will see more acts within the next few weeks or days, he says.
Last Friday: Two shootings in different parts of Stockholm. Last Saturday: The fatal shooting in the Farsta center in the southern part of the city. It is still unclear whether the acts are connected to each other, but a total of seven people have been hit by bullets this weekend. A very high level, according to Gerell.
– It is very unusual with so many incidents and so many injured in such a short time, says Manne Gerell.
Usually, when you see several acts of violence in a short period of time, it is largely about spirals of conflict, and that when people or groups in the gang environment are attacked, they tend to fight back. It results in the other side wanting revenge.
– Revenge on revenge. And then you get such strong concentrations in times of violence, unfortunately.
But whether this is the case with the latest shootings is not yet clear.
“Outsiders suffer”
On Saturday at 18:00, several shots were fired at the Farsta center where a 15-year-old boy died and three people were seriously injured. It happened at a time and place where many people were on the move.
– Unfortunately, it has become more common for outsiders to be affected in these acts in recent years. It is connected with the fact that they shoot at times and places where there are many people but also that many shots are fired. The more shots you fire, the greater the risk of hitting other people as well.
TT: Should you be worried?
– The risk of being hit is still very small, but of course I understand that people are worried and that people will be worried and afraid. You have to take that seriously. It’s scary when things like this happen.
Younger victims and perpetrators
The boy who died in Farsta was 15 years old, and another 15-year-old boy was injured. And young victims are becoming more and more common, says Manne Gerell. This also applies to the perpetrators.
– It is a trend we have seen in studies before, that both victims and perpetrators have become younger over time in this violence. This year we have seen what appears to be a clear acceleration in that direction. There are many, very young perpetrators. It is tragic, after all, it is children who are involved and affected by this.
TT: What is it due to?
– The longer trend of this is difficult to say. But what has happened this year is that the legislation has been changed, the penalty discount for those over 18 has been removed. Then it is more attractive to use shooters who are under 18 years of age and that could be one thing that has contributed to this, says Manne Gerell.