A 23-year-old man responsible for the tragic shooting at the Field's shopping mall in Copenhagen, Denmark, last year has been sentenced to indefinite detention in a secure psychiatric facility. The perpetrator, whose identity remains undisclosed due to court regulations, opened fire on July 3, 2022, claiming he believed his victims were zombies. This horrific incident resulted in the deaths of three individuals – two 17-year-olds and a 47-year-old Russian national – and left 23 others injured, some in the ensuing panic.

The Copenhagen District Court found the man guilty of murder and attempted murder. Prosecutor Søren Harbo expressed satisfaction with the verdict, acknowledging the lasting physical and psychological impact on the victims and their families. The court determined the attack was premeditated, citing evidence of a reconnaissance trip to the mall prior to the shooting. Due to the defendant's diagnosed mental illness, the court deemed indefinite confinement in a secure medical facility necessary.

The image above depicts emergency services at the Fields shopping center following the shooting on July 3, 2022.

The man confessed to the shootings but maintained his delusion that the victims were zombies. During the trial, it was revealed that he had attempted to contact a mental health helpline before the incident, but was unable to reach anyone due to altered summer hours. The weapons used – a rifle, a nine-millimeter pistol, and ammunition – were stolen from his father’s legally owned gun cabinet.

On the final day of the trial, June 30th, the defendant, now under the influence of antipsychotic medication, expressed remorse, stating he could no longer comprehend his actions. He offered apologies to the victims' families, survivors, and those who lost their lives. Neither the prosecution nor the defense immediately appealed the verdict. The tragic event led to the cancellation of a nearby Harry Styles concert scheduled for that evening. Days later, thousands gathered at the mall to commemorate the victims, including Crown Prince Frederik and Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who condemned the attack as "cruel, unjust, and senseless."