Two Swedish teenagers have been taken into custody in connection with two explosions near the Israeli Embassy in Copenhagen, according to reports by prosecutors. The incidents occurred in the early hours of the morning, with investigators now examining if the motive behind the blasts could be linked to a potential terrorist attack.
Despite the explosions causing no injuries, a nearby Jewish school decided to close in the aftermath for safety measures. The teenagers, whose identities are protected by a court order, have been detained for 27 days with initial charges relating to illegal possession of weapons, including five hand grenades. Two of the grenades detonated when the suspects allegedly threw them towards a house close to the embassy, causing damage to a nearby roof terrace.
During a court hearing, Prosecutor Søren Harbo highlighted the close proximity of the explosions to the Israeli Embassy. The court proceeding, taking place behind closed doors, saw the teenagers, aged 16 and 19, accused of collaborating with other individuals to carry out the acts. Both individuals denied the charges presented, as local media sources reported.
The arrests took place shortly before noon on a train at Copenhagen’s central station, with images circulating in the Danish media of one suspect being escorted away by authorities in a hazmat suit. A third individual, aged 19, who was detained close to the embassy, has since been released. In Sweden, authorities have not classified the event at the Israeli embassy in Stockholm as a terrorist incident. The charges in Sweden are currently focused on aggravated weapons offences and related risks and damages, as confirmed by authorities.
The incidents in Denmark and Sweden occurred separately, with shots fired at the Israeli Embassy in Stockholm the night before the explosions in Copenhagen. There have been no reported injuries in relation to the gunfire in Stockholm, and no arrests have been made as of now. Authorities in both countries continue their investigations to ascertain further details regarding the incidents.