Two men have been arrested on suspicion of preparing for aggravated assault in connection with Minister of Justice Gunnar Strömmer’s (M) election rally in central Gothenburg. No one was harmed and the Swedish Security Service (Säpo) has taken over the case. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson describes the incident as a warning signal ahead of the election campaign.

Gunnar Strömmer was at Drottningtorget on Thursday evening together with several local Moderate politicians campaigning for the election. Around 9 pm, police intervened and arrested two men in connection with the rally, according to reports including GP.

By Friday morning, both had been detained. According to the Swedish Prosecution Authority, they are suspected of preparing for aggravated assault.

The police have provided limited details about what led to the intervention and the suspects’ motives, but emphasize that the operation was calm and that neither Strömmer nor anyone else was harmed.

Säpo Has Taken Over the Case

The Security Service has since taken over the investigation. The preliminary investigation is led by prosecutors from the National Unit for Security Cases, as the incident is linked to the central government leadership.

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The investigation is in its early stages. Säpo has not provided further information about the sequence of events or the two suspects. Further interviews and review of other evidence are pending.

Strömmer’s press secretary Caroline Opsahl states that the minister is doing well and refers other questions about the incident to the police.

Kristersson: A Warning Signal

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) says the most important thing is that Strömmer is safe. At the same time, he takes the fact that the intervention took place during an election rally seriously and calls it a warning signal.

Social Democratic party leader Magdalena Andersson has also commented on the incident. She expresses relief that no one was hurt and thanks the police for their intervention. She also stresses the importance of elected officials being able to meet voters without threats or violence.

Strömmer is in Gothenburg to present a Moderate election promise on Friday together with City Commissioner Axel Josefson.