Police arrested a man carrying a visible firearm in a residential Oslo neighborhood on Saturday evening. Officers received reports around 8 PM about a man walking along the road with a weapon in plain sight.
The suspect allegedly took a firing position against a car while aiming the weapon at a house. He reportedly shouted various statements toward people in the area during the incident.
Authorities confirmed they threatened the suspect with their own weapons during the arrest. This standard procedure occurs when individuals carry visible firearms in public spaces.
Police identified the weapon as a "Sten gun," a British-made submachine gun from World War II. Investigators are now examining whether the firearm was functional or decorative.
Local residents expressed significant fear following the incident. The neighborhood typically experiences low crime rates, making this event particularly alarming for community members.
Norwegian police operations leader Gabriel Langfeldt addressed public concerns. He acknowledged the incident created substantial fear among area residents.
Norway maintains strict firearm regulations compared to many countries. The country implemented tighter gun control measures following the 2011 terrorist attacks. Private firearm ownership requires extensive background checks and specific purposes like hunting or sport shooting.
World War II weapons occasionally surface in Norway due to the country's occupation history. The Sten gun was a mass-produced weapon used by Allied forces. Finding such historical firearms in civilian hands remains unusual in modern Norway.
Police continue investigating the man's motives and how he obtained the weapon. The incident raises questions about historical weapon circulation and public safety protocols.
This arrest comes amid ongoing discussions about public safety in Norwegian urban areas. While violent crime remains relatively low, such incidents prompt reevaluation of security measures in residential communities.
The suspect remains in custody while authorities determine appropriate charges. Norwegian law typically imposes severe penalties for illegal firearm possession, especially when involving public endangerment.