Two seventeen-year-old boys face attempted murder charges in Copenhagen after a dramatic incident where a pistol repeatedly misfired when aimed at a man's head and chest. The Copenhagen District Court heard Thursday how the teenagers allegedly stalked their victim for weeks before the confrontation in late October.
The targeted attack occurred near Hannemanns Allé on Amager, close to the Fields shopping center. Prosecutors detailed how the suspects allegedly planned the killing with several unidentified accomplices. They made multiple reconnaissance trips to the area before finally locating their victim around 10 PM on the night of the incident.
According to court documents, the teenagers confronted the man and pointed a firearm directly at his head and chest. The weapon clicked multiple times when the trigger was pulled but failed to discharge. Both the victim and attackers fled the scene immediately after the failed shooting.
Both teenagers denied guilt during Thursday's hearing but were remanded into custody. Because they are minors, they will be held at a secure youth facility rather than a regular prison. This is standard procedure in Denmark's justice system for defendants under eighteen.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about youth violence in Copenhagen. While Denmark maintains relatively low crime rates compared to other European capitals, incidents involving teenagers and weapons have drawn increased police attention in recent months.
Danish authorities have implemented several initiatives to address youth crime, including early intervention programs and increased community policing. The country's justice system focuses heavily on rehabilitation for young offenders while maintaining strict consequences for violent crimes.
Both the accused teenagers and the victim remain protected by publication bans, common in Danish criminal cases involving minors. This protection prevents media from revealing identities that could compromise legal proceedings or personal safety.
The failed shooting raises questions about firearm availability among youth groups in Copenhagen. Denmark has strict gun control laws, but illegal weapons occasionally surface in criminal cases. Police investigations typically focus on tracing weapons sources when firearms appear in youth-related incidents.
What happens next in this case? The prosecution will continue gathering evidence while the teenagers remain in custody. Danish courts typically process such cases within months rather than years, though appeals can extend the timeline. The prosecution must prove intent and planning beyond reasonable doubt for attempted murder convictions.
The incident serves as a stark reminder that Denmark's generally safe streets occasionally witness serious violent crimes. International residents should remain aware of their surroundings while recognizing that such events remain relatively uncommon in Copenhagen neighborhoods.