Young men were getting a haircut ahead of Swedish festival – then they were shot dead

Uppsala, a city renowned for its lively festivals and vibrant student life, was jolted this week by a shocking incident. As Swedes prepared for a week-long festival, two young men who were getting a haircut at a local salon were tragically gunned down.

The victims, who were still wearing their barber capes when they were shot, were pronounced dead at the scene. The incident has left the city’s residents in shock, casting a pall over the festivities and sparking concerns about public safety.

According to the police report, the victims, both in their early 20s, were at the salon on Tuesday evening ahead of the annual Uppsala festival, when an unknown assailant stormed in and opened fire. The shooter fled the scene immediately after the incident, leaving the city in a state of panic and disbelief.

The salon, located in a bustling neighbourhood, was packed with customers preparing for the festival when the attack took place. Eyewitnesses described the scene as one of chaos and confusion.

“I heard a loud bang, and then people started running,” said one witness, who wished to remain anonymous. “It was terrifying. No one knew what was happening.”

The Uppsala festival, a week-long event that marks the end of summer in Sweden, attracts thousands of locals and tourists each year. This year, however, the festival’s jovial spirit has been marred by the tragic shooting.

The incident has sparked an immediate investigation, with Swedish police launching a manhunt for the shooter. A police spokesperson confirmed that they were treating the incident as a double murder.

“We are conducting a broad and intensive investigation,” the spokesperson said. “We are following several leads, but we are also appealing to the public for any information that might help us in the investigation.”

The shocking incident has reignited debates about gun violence in Sweden. While the Scandinavian country is known for its low crime rate, there has been a recent uptick in shootings, particularly in the major cities.

“We need to address this issue seriously,” said Anna Johansson, a local politician. “It’s time to take a tougher stance on gun crime. Our citizens should not have to live in fear.”

The Uppsala festival, despite the tragedy, continued as planned, but with a noticeably subdued atmosphere. Many attendees paid tribute to the victims, with a moment of silence held in their honour.

The double murder has left Uppsala’s residents shocked and saddened. The victims, described by friends and family as ‘bright and promising young men,’ were looking forward to the festival – a celebration that was tragically cut short.

The incident has served as a harsh reminder of the growing issue of gun violence, casting a shadow over a city that is typically known for its tranquillity and safety. As the festival draws to a close and the investigation continues, the people of Uppsala are hoping for answers and justice.

As the city mourns the loss of two of its young citizens, the message is clear: this is a tragedy that could and should have been prevented. The investigation remains ongoing, with police urging anyone with information to come forward. The hope is that justice will bring some sense of closure to a city shaken by a brutal act of violence.