Swedish Police Data: 23 Bystanders Killed in Gang Shootings from 2021-2023

Swedish police statistics released on Monday revealed that 23 innocent bystanders have been killed and 30 wounded in gangland shootings over the past three years. The figures, drawn from Swedish police data, underscore the country's persistent struggle with violent crime.

5 million people, has faced challenges for more than a decade in containing gang violence primarily tied to score-settling and efforts to control the drug market.

The innocent victims include individuals hit by stray bullets, those affected by mistaken identity, and relatives of targeted gang members, according to the police statistics. Alexander Wallenius, operations coordinator at the Swedish police’s department of national operations, told news agency TT that one reason for the number of bystanders injured is that many shooters are young.

“We are dealing with very young perpetrators who, in many cases, have no previous experience of violent crime, which means a greater risk that third parties or the wrong target will be hit,” Wallenius said.

Swedish gangs often use social media and encrypted apps to recruit teens who are paid to carry out crimes. These recruits are frequently under the age of 15, which is Sweden’s current age of criminal responsibility. As a result, those under 15 cannot be prosecuted and instead fall under the responsibility of social services.

The minority right-wing government, propped up by the far-right Sweden Democrats, has been advancing measures to address crime ahead of a general election scheduled for September 13. Last week, the government planned to introduce legislation requiring social media platforms like TikTok and Snapchat to take down “murder adverts” posted by gangs within an hour or face hefty fines.

@AJEnglish reported these details from the government's announcements.

Additionally, the government has announced plans to lower the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 13 for crimes punishable by at least four years in prison. These proposals come amid broader efforts to curb the surge in gang shootings and bombings linked to illicit drug market control.

The statistics highlight how the violence has spilled over to affect bystanders in a nation that has grappled with these issues for over a decade.