Denmark – Danish media widely reported the gunman who attacked a Copenhagen synagogue and an event promoting free speech as Omar Abdel Hamid El-Hussein. Reuters could not confirm his identity and police declined to comment.
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Danish media said El-Hussein had been jailed for stabbing a 19-year-old man in the leg on a Copenhagen train in 2013, and was freed a few weeks ago.
“We cannot yet say anything concrete about the motive… but are considering that he might have been inspired by the events in Paris some weeks ago,” Madsen said.
Danish authorities have been on alert since Islamist gunmen killed 17 people in three days of violence in Paris in January, which began with an attack on Charlie Hebdo, long known for its acerbic cartoons on Islam, other religions and politicians.
Police, who had earlier released a photo of the suspect dressed in a heavy winter coat and maroon mask, said they did not believe he had received training in jihadist camps in the Middle East.
Denmark has been a symbol of European tolerance and of the battle against anti-Semitism for years, ever since World War II, evoking the popular legend of King Christian X’s threat to the Nazis that he would don the Star of David himself should the Danish Jews be forced to wear it.
The beautiful 19th-century stone building of the Great Synagogue is at the center of local Jewish life, not only for daily services but also a variety of community activities and Jewish studies. For many, the attacks, right at the center of the Danish capital, have shaken many – Jews and non-Jews alike.
Are you serious? He has a Muslim name? Omg. I’m beyond shocked!!!!!!!!!
Thumbs up to the Danish media for identifying this human waste and releasing his name even though it’s a Muslim name. Unlike The Danish government which refused to do so, assuming because it may offend Muslims
What? A Muslim man in his 20’s? Shocking!