COPENHAGEN
One unidentified civilian is dead and three police officers were wounded today in Copenhagen, after shots were fired shortly before 4 p.m. at a meeting attended by controversial Swedish artist Lars Vilks, known for his depictions of the prophet Muhammad as a dog.
The two suspected gunmen are still at large, as their getaway car was found. The motive for the shootings is not clear, but police believe that Vilks was the target of the attack. According to eyewitnesses, the two gunmen -- wearing all black -- spoke Danish.
Around 30-40 shots were fired, as the Swedish artist was attending a debate on the theme of ‘Art, blasphemy and freedom of speech’ in the Osterbo area of Copenhagen.
Delegate at the debate, Dennis Meyhoff Brink, told Danish newspaper Jyllands Posten that he heard 30 shots over a two-minute period. Danish security police then ordered everyone to remain inside.
The attack took place right after a speech by the French Ambassador to Denmark, Francois Zimeray. He immediately took to Twitter to confirm that he was still alive. Also Lars Vilks was unhurt. The meeting was held under tight security, with delegates subject to searches as they entered the building.
According to Danish newspaper Ekstra Bladet the police are treating the attack as an act of terrorism
