Sweden jails 4 teens over Isreali embassy shooting amid protest

A Swedish district court has sentenced four teenagers to prison for their roles in a 2024 shooting at an Israeli company.

The Gothenburg District Court delivered the verdict on Monday April 28, 2025, jailing the suspects for recruiting a minor and aiding gun-related crimes.

The shooting targeted Elbit Systems, an Israeli military technology firm located in Gothenburg, southwestern Sweden, on October 10, 2024.

A 13-year-old boy reportedly fired shots at the company’s entrance before authorities swiftly arrested him near the crime scene.

Due to Sweden’s legal framework, prosecutors did not charge him, as he is below the criminal responsibility age of 15.

However, investigations revealed that the boy acted under the instruction of older teenagers who coordinated the attack.

The court found four other teenagers guilty of supplying the weapon and directing the underage shooter to the company premises.

Judges sentenced two 19-year-olds to five years each for recruiting a minor, aiding weapon possession, and unlawful threat.

A third teenager received four years and eleven months, while a 15-year-old boy got one year and eight months.

Authorities confirmed that no one sustained injuries during the attack, although the gunshots triggered panic and raised security concerns.

Police and prosecutors believe the assailants deliberately targeted Elbit Systems due to its ties with Israeli defense operations.

The attack came amid heightened global tensions linked to the Israel-Gaza conflict, which reignited in October 2023.

Swedish authorities said the case underscores growing risks to foreign-linked institutions amid rising international unrest and ideological violence.

The prosecution admitted the mastermind behind the shooting remains unknown, and investigations are still ongoing.

In a related incident in May 2024, unidentified gunmen fired shots outside the Israeli Embassy in Stockholm.

That shooting prompted authorities to strengthen security around Israeli interests and Jewish institutions throughout Sweden.

Again in June 2024, police found a suspicious explosive device near Elbit Systems’ Gothenburg office complex.

Security agencies interpreted the device discovery as part of a pattern targeting Israeli-related entities across the country.

Officials have vowed to intensify monitoring and safeguard foreign diplomatic and commercial interests amid increasing threats.

The Gothenburg court’s ruling marks Sweden’s strongest legal response yet to politically motivated youth violence.

Authorities are calling for more community awareness and vigilance to prevent young people from falling into extremist networks.

The Swedish justice system continues investigating possible foreign influences and digital recruitment in such attacks.

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