Copenhagen, Denmark: Tragedy struck on Saturday in Copenhagen’s Christiania neighborhood, known for its alternative vibe and hashish trade. Danish authorities reported a 30-year-old man dead and four others injured in a shooting.
Masked gunmen opened fire in a Christiania building, according to Copenhagen police spokesperson Poul Kjeldsen. The incident is believed to be linked to criminal gangs, as reported by Denmark’s TV2.
One victim is critical but stable; others have minor injuries, Kjeldsen said. Police are actively searching for the gunmen.
Christiania, a freewheeling anarchist commune since the 1970s, emerged from hippies squatting in a former naval base.
Although hashish sales were tolerated until 2004, police crackdowns curtailed the drug trade. Yet, sporadic violence connected to criminal groups persists.
The shooting highlights Christiania’s intricate blend of counterculture, illicit trade, and law enforcement challenges. It casts a somber shadow over the once-peaceful haven, reflecting the ongoing struggle to reconcile history with the present.