Two people were shot and killed in an area east of Halden on Sunday morning, while a third person sustained serious injuries and was flown to Ullevål hospital by air ambulance. A man in his late 20s has been arrested and charged with the killings, according to police statements reported by multiple outlets including Dagbladet, NRK, and TV 2. The fatal shooting occurred at approximately 07:30 as a local hunting party of 14 people gathered to distribute hunting posts before the start of the hunt. Police were notified at 07:20 that a man had shot several people and was continuing to hunt others, and they later reported the incident at 07:59.
Two Dead and One Hospitalized in Halden Hunting Party Attack
The two individuals killed in the shooting were a father in his 70s and his son in his 40s, as confirmed by police prosecutor Anders Svarholt. A third man, also in his 40s, was seriously wounded in the attack and subsequently transported to Ullevål hospital. According to updates provided by police authorities, his medical condition is considered serious but stable following surgery.
The suspect, identified by Dagbladet as 29-year-old Martin Braadland from Halden, was not a member of the hunting party at the time of the incident. Witnesses at the scene managed to overpower the suspect and turn him over to incoming police patrols. Police dispatchers received the initial emergency call regarding the shooting around 07:30 on Sunday morning. Dagbladet reports between 12 and 15 people were present. Svarholt stated that a person arrived and began firing as posts were being distributed.
Did You Know? The property where the shooting took place is a comprehensive agricultural estate owned by the suspect’s father, which forms part of the ØrFinsviken hunting ground. Court records indicate that the suspect had previously attempted to take over the woodland property Finsviken in 2021, though the municipal administration blocked the transfer because the lands were deemed a single unified operating unit. Braadland was an active shooter in the Halden shooting club as a youth in 2010, 2012, and 2013. In autumn 2024, he was convicted in Søndre Østfold district court for speeding in a 60-zone.
Suspect Admits Guilt and Faces Psychiatric Evaluation
The 29-year-old suspect has declined to explain himself to police. However, defense counsel Ole Richard Holm-Olsen informed reporters that his client has submitted a written confession admitting criminal liability and has consented to pre-trial detention.
In response to the severity of the incident, law enforcement authorities initiated a preliminary forensic psychiatric evaluation on Sunday. A court-appointed expert spoke with the accused to assess his sanity, with a formal report expected in the coming days.
Braadland used a hunting rifle and held licenses for two weapons. Police are investigating whether he was previously a member of the hunting party.
Community Response and Ongoing Police Investigation
Halden municipality activated its crisis management team early Sunday morning to handle the aftermath of the tragedy. Deputy Mayor Linn Laupsa described the event as a terrible catastrophe that deeply affects the entire local community. Municipal authorities established support systems for the surviving members of the hunting party and opened the town center church for residents wishing to light candles or speak with counselors. Mayor Fredrik Holm told NRK the crisis staff met at 09:00.
Police investigators, assisted by drones, spent Sunday conducting technical examinations across the cordoned-off crime scene. Police chief Vibeke Schøyen confirmed that officers have notified the next of kin for the deceased and the injured party. Authorities have also urged local hunting teams operating east / south-east of Ørsjøen to keep their dogs leashed while the extensive evidence-gathering operation remains active in the surrounding woodland. Operation leader Gisle Lindheim Sveen stated they are working to get an overview of the situation, while lead officer Wilhelm Bjørholt said police do not yet have an overview of motives or relations, though VG reports no suspicion of terror.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the victims of the Halden shooting?
The two individuals killed are a father in his 70s and his son in his 40s. A third man, also in his 40s, was seriously wounded and flown to Ullevål hospital, where he remains in stable condition following treatment.
What is the legal status of the suspect?
Martin Braadland, a 29-year-old local resident, is siktet for double homicide and causing serious injury. His defense attorney states that he has signed a written confession admitting criminal liability and consented to custody pending a psychiatric evaluation.
How was the suspect apprehended?
Members of the 14-person hunting party who were present at the scene intervened, successfully getting control of the perpetrator and holding him until law enforcement personnel arrived to take him into custody.
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