Denmark's prosecution of four men in connection with a May 2023 drive-by shooting in Søborg has reignited public concern over youth exposure to gang violence. The attack, which left a 35-year-old man dead and a 12-year-old girl unharmed but traumatized, occurred on Novembervej in the Copenhagen suburb as the pair sat in a parked car.
A Child in the Line of Fire
On the evening of May 2, 2023, a 12-year-old girl was seated in the passenger seat of a vehicle when a gunman opened fire through the open window. Six shots struck the driver, her relative, who succumbed to his injuries two days later at a hospital. Though physically unharmed, the girl was directly in the line of fire—an element that has shaped the prosecution’s stance in the case.
Special prosecutor Cecilie Swartz Bak emphasized the brutality of the crime during the announcement of charges. “This is an unusually brutal murder committed with a child in immediate firing range,” she said in a statement. The prosecution intends to seek “very long prison sentences” for those involved.
Four Men Face Serious Charges
Copenhagen West Police have formally indicted four individuals in the case. A 27-year-old man is accused of firing the fatal shots. A 24-year-old allegedly approached the vehicle afterward with a pistol but did not discharge his weapon. A 36-year-old faces charges for waiting nearby in a getaway car, while a 26-year-old—extradited from Turkey in December—is accused of playing a leading role in planning the attack.
All four are also charged with possession of firearms under especially aggravating circumstances. Two other suspects were previously investigated, but charges against them have been dropped due to insufficient evidence.
Gang Ties and Community Fear
While police have not officially confirmed the motive, multiple reports indicate the victim was the brother of a man linked to Denmark’s outlaw motorcycle and organized crime milieu. This context has fueled fears among residents in Søborg and surrounding areas of Copenhagen about escalating gang-related violence spilling into everyday life.
The presence of a child during such an attack underscores a troubling trend in Danish criminal activity: bystanders, including minors, are increasingly caught in the crossfire of targeted hits. Authorities have not released data on how often children witness or are endangered by such incidents, but this case has drawn sharp condemnation from community leaders and social workers.
Legal Process Ahead
The case will be heard at Glostrup District Court, though no trial date has yet been set. Under Danish law, premeditated murder can carry a sentence of up to life imprisonment, though actual terms are typically reviewed after 12 to 16 years. Given the involvement of a minor and the use of firearms, prosecutors may argue for enhanced penalties under provisions for crimes involving extreme recklessness or endangerment of children.
Legal experts note that securing convictions in such cases often hinges on witness testimony and digital evidence, including surveillance footage and mobile phone data. The fact that one suspect was extradited from Turkey suggests international cooperation played a role in the investigation—a growing necessity as criminal networks expand beyond national borders.
A Community Reckons with Violence
Søborg, a residential area within Gladsaxe Municipality, is known for its schools, parks, and family-friendly neighborhoods. The shooting shocked locals, many of whom say they never expected such violence so close to home. In the days following the incident, parents reported keeping children indoors and avoiding certain streets out of fear.
Municipal officials have since increased funding for youth outreach programs and community policing initiatives, though critics argue these measures are reactive rather than preventative. Social centers in the area have seen a rise in requests for trauma counseling, particularly for young people exposed to violent crime.
What Comes Next for Danish Policy?
This case arrives amid broader national debates about Denmark’s approach to organized crime. Over the past decade, the government has implemented stricter gun laws, expanded police surveillance powers, and introduced “gang packages” aimed at disrupting recruitment and territorial control. Yet high-profile shootings continue to occur, often in broad daylight and in residential zones.
The presence of a child in this attack may prompt renewed calls for legislative action—particularly around protecting minors in conflict zones created by adult criminal behavior. While Denmark’s welfare system provides robust support for victims of crime, gaps remain in early intervention for at-risk youth and families entangled in criminal networks.
As the legal process unfolds, the 12-year-old girl’s experience will likely remain central to public discourse. Her survival is a matter of chance, not design. And in a society that prides itself on safety and social cohesion, the image of a child sitting inches from six bullets raises uncomfortable questions about where violence is headed—and who pays the price.
Will Denmark’s current strategies shield its youngest citizens from the fallout of adult criminal wars? Or will cases like this one become the new normal in neighborhoods once considered safe?