Police-marked weapon used in mass shooting under investigation

Swedish authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding a mass shooting in Gävle where one of the firearms used bore the engraving "Property of the Police." A 13-year-old boy is suspected of firing nine shots on a bar street, hitting six people in the legs, feet, and arms. The incident occurred late at night, with many people still out due to the weekend.

One victim recounted mistaking the initial shots for a starting pistol, only realizing the danger when others began to flee. Despite being hit in the foot and losing sensation, he continued to escape, seeking refuge in a nearby doorway. Several injured individuals noted the shooter appeared short. The 13-year-old suspect was apprehended within an hour of the shooting.

Authorities had recently sought to take the boy into involuntary care, planning to place him in a locked juvenile facility. During his arrest, he was wearing a wireless earbud, which investigators believe he used to communicate with those who instigated the shooting. Mobile analysis revealed he participated in a 55-minute call on the encrypted app Signal during the incident. Police and prosecutors suspect that Ali Shehab, a figure linked to the Foxtrot criminal network, was on the other end of the call. Shehab was arrested in Iraq months later and was considered a close associate of Foxtrot leader Rawa Majid.

Investigators believe Shehab provided the boy with instructions via Signal. Surveillance footage shows the boy holding his phone during the incident. Hours before the shooting, he was filmed buying the earbuds at a store, with chat logs indicating he was urged to make the purchase. His contact with the 13-year-old began a few days earlier on TikTok, where he was allegedly asked if he was willing to kill for money. The investigation has not yet determined the intended target of the mass shooting. Police estimate two weapons were used, but only one has been recovered.

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We perceive that he has an ongoing chat in Signal where he receives assignments on what he should do and help with where he should go.