First Ever Fatal Shooting by Police Reported in Iceland
- 11 years ago
The first casualty of Iceland’s armed police force was recently reported following a shootout at a residence in eastern Reykjavik.
The first casualty of Iceland’s armed police force was recently reported following a shootout at a residence in eastern Reykjavik.
Police in the country aren’t typically armed, but its citizens aren’t usually violent, either.
An emergency call came in just before 5am on December 2nd and it was reported that someone was shooting at cars on the street from their apartment window.
Upon arriving, the police evacuated the area and launched cans of tear gas through the building’s windows.
Their efforts failed to subdue the shooter and soon crossfire began.
The man in the apartment was hit by police bullets and quickly transported to an area hospital, where he died shortly after.
Iceland’s police chief issued a statement: "Police regret this incident and would like to extend their condolences to the family of the man." He also mentioned that this occurrence was "without precedent" in the country.
Prior to this, in the 200-plus years since Iceland began its efforts to gain independence from Denmark, not a single person has been killed at the hands of its armed force.
The first casualty of Iceland’s armed police force was recently reported following a shootout at a residence in eastern Reykjavik.
Police in the country aren’t typically armed, but its citizens aren’t usually violent, either.
An emergency call came in just before 5am on December 2nd and it was reported that someone was shooting at cars on the street from their apartment window.
Upon arriving, the police evacuated the area and launched cans of tear gas through the building’s windows.
Their efforts failed to subdue the shooter and soon crossfire began.
The man in the apartment was hit by police bullets and quickly transported to an area hospital, where he died shortly after.
Iceland’s police chief issued a statement: "Police regret this incident and would like to extend their condolences to the family of the man." He also mentioned that this occurrence was "without precedent" in the country.
Prior to this, in the 200-plus years since Iceland began its efforts to gain independence from Denmark, not a single person has been killed at the hands of its armed force.