Denmark: Two dead in terror attacks

Three police officers injured. Conference about Art, Freedom of Speech and Islam was attended by cartoonist Lars Vilks and the French Ambassador to Denmark, François Zimeray.

Evangelical Focus

The Guardian, BBC, Agencies · COPENHAGEN · 14 FEBRUARY 2015 · 19:25 CET

Police officers in front of the cafe. / Reuters,photo copenhegan attack
Police officers in front of the cafe. / Reuters

One civilian has been killed and three police officers injured after armed men opened fire on a cafe in Copenhagen where a debate on Islam and free speech was being held.

The meeting was attended by Lars Vilks, the controversial Swedish artist who has faced death threats for caricaturing the prophet Muhammad. Also in attendance was François Zimeray, the French ambassador to Denmark.

The attack happened at about 3pm GMT. The gunmen fled the scene by car.

“They fired on us from the outside. It was the same intention as [the 7 January attack on] Charlie Hebdo except they didn’t manage to get in,” Zimeray told AFP. “Bullets went through the doors and everyone threw themselves to the floor,” the Ambassador added.

Reports say up to 40 shots were fired during the attack and a manhunt has been launched.

The cafe in northern Copenhagen, known for its jazz concerts, was hosting an event titled “Art, blasphemy and the freedom of expression” when the shots were fired.

Swedish cartoonist Lars Vilks has faced death threats after drawing caricatures of Muhammad.

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