Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson holds a press conference about the deteriorating security situation.
– I understand that many Swedes are now worried about the increased threat level. I want to say, just like the police, that we should live as usual, Ulf Kristersson.
– Sweden has gone from being a so-called legitimate target to being a priority target, says Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson about the increased terror threat level.
On Thursday, the Security Police announced that they are raising the terror threat level in Sweden from a three to a four on the five-point scale. It means “high threat”.
– I understand that many Swedes are now worried about the increased threat level. I want to say, just like the police, that we should live as usual, says Kristersson further.
Averted murder
Ulf Kristersson says that Swedish authorities are on their toes – and that terrorist acts have been averted.
– Our Swedish security services and other authorities are proactive and on their toes, he says and continues:
– We know that planned terrorist acts have been prevented.
Police chief: We are well equipped
National Police Chief Anders Thornberg says that they have many years of experience in working preventively against terror.
– Swedish police are well equipped for this situation, says Thornberg.
He says that they have concretely activated their 95 local police areas with outreach activities.
– They seek out known actors and individuals who risk ending up in the violent environment.
– We are activating and intensifying the functions, methods and collaborations that we are already working with in some parts, and in some cases have prepared, he says further.
Raising the threat level is part of a long-term assessment.
– It should be seen as a strategic and long-term assessment, said security police chief Charlotte von Essen at a press conference earlier today.
Follow the press conference at the top of the article.
The text is continuously updated.