Thousands of people participated in marches across Sweden this weekend following the fatal shooting of a right-wing activist in Gothenburg on Friday. The marches, organized by various right-wing groups, drew significant crowds and sparked counter-protests, leading to heightened security measures and several reported clashes with police. The incident has ignited a national debate about political violence and the rise of extremism in the country.
The victim, identified as a 20-year-old man with ties to the Nordic Resistance Movement (NMR), was shot in a public space in the Biskopsgården district of Gothenburg. Police have launched a murder investigation, but have yet to identify a suspect or establish a clear motive. The shooting occurred amidst a period of increasing political polarization in Sweden, with growing concerns about the activities of both far-right and far-left extremist groups. The incident has prompted calls for increased efforts to combat political violence and hate speech.
Marches and Counter-Protests
Marches were held in several cities, including Stockholm, Malmö, and Uppsala, with participants expressing outrage over the shooting and demanding justice for the victim. Organizers framed the marches as a defense of freedom of speech and a rejection of political violence. However, the events likewise attracted counter-protests from anti-fascist groups and other activists who condemned the victim’s political affiliations and accused the right-wing movement of promoting hatred and intolerance.
In Gothenburg, where the shooting occurred, the march drew an estimated 500 participants, while counter-protests numbered around 300. Police reported several instances of clashes between the two groups, resulting in minor injuries and a number of arrests. Similar confrontations were reported in Stockholm, where a larger march attracted both supporters and opponents of the right-wing movement. Authorities deployed additional police officers to maintain order and prevent further violence.
Political Reactions and Investigations
The shooting has drawn condemnation from across the political spectrum. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson described the incident as a “shocking act of violence” and vowed to take a firm stance against political extremism. He emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and protecting democratic values. Several other ministers have echoed these sentiments, calling for unity and condemning all forms of political violence.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and police are pursuing several lines of inquiry. According to reports, investigators are examining the victim’s background and connections to right-wing groups, as well as potential motives for the attack. Säpo, Sweden’s security service, is also involved in the investigation, assessing whether the shooting was linked to any broader extremist networks. According to TV4, Säpo initially reported they had no prior knowledge of the victim’s connections to extremist groups.
Recent Extremist Activity and Government Response
The shooting comes amid growing concerns about the rise of right-wing extremism in Sweden. In July 2025, SVT Nyheter reported on the case of a minister whose close relative was actively involved in the extreme right-wing scene, attempting to recruit individuals to a white power organization. This case sparked debate about media coverage and the handling of politically sensitive information. Expressen detailed the government’s response, noting that security protocols were immediately followed upon learning of the relative’s activities.
The Nordic Resistance Movement (NMR), to which the victim was linked, has been described as a neo-Nazi organization that advocates for a racially pure Sweden. The group has been involved in numerous clashes with counter-protesters and has been linked to several acts of violence. In 2017, the Swedish Security Service designated NMR as a security threat. The government has taken steps to counter the spread of extremism, including strengthening laws against hate speech and increasing funding for programs aimed at preventing radicalization.
What to Watch Next
The investigation into the shooting is expected to continue for several weeks, and police are appealing to the public for any information that could help identify the perpetrator. The incident is likely to fuel further debate about political violence and extremism in Sweden, and may prompt the government to consider additional measures to address the issue. The focus will also be on monitoring the activities of right-wing and anti-fascist groups in the coming weeks and months, and preventing further escalation of tensions. The case highlights the ongoing challenges facing Sweden in balancing freedom of speech with the need to protect citizens from political violence and hate speech.
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