Shooting at Gay Bar Kills Two and Injuries 20+ in Oslo, Norway

Around 1 a.m. on Saturday in Oslo, Norway, gunman Zaniar Matapour shot up the area near London Pub, a well known gay bar, killing two men, one in his 50s and another in his 60s, and injuring more than 20 people. This shooting happened just hours after a Pride festival that took place in the city. 

According to the Norwegian police, Matapour was on their radar since 2015 but had only received “minor convictions'' up until this point. He has a rap sheet for infractions like knife and drug possession as well. Since Matapour hasn’t spoken since being arrested, investigators cannot conclude whether this was a hate crime against the LGBTQ+ community or not. 

It’s also important to add Matapour took aim at people outside of a Jazz club and a fast food restaurant before reaching London Pub. 

Matapour had two weapons on his person, including a fully automatic gun. The gunman has since been charged with murder, attempted murder, and terrorist acts according to police. 

Pride scheduled for later in the day on Saturday was canceled in the wake of the shooting. Despite that, thousands of people showed up starting a silent pride and protest of the events from earlier in the day.