Mar 12, 3:07 PM
Norwegian Police Release Images of Suspect After Explosion Outside U.S. Embassy in Oslo
Authorities say an improvised device caused minor damage at the embassy entrance, as investigators search for a masked individual seen on surveillance footage.
Norwegian police have just put out surveillance images of a person they suspect is linked to the blast outside the U.S. embassy in Oslo, stepping up their hunt to figure out who’s behind it all.
The explosion went off early Sunday close to the embassy in the Ullern neighborhood of the city. Authorities say someone left an improvised explosive device right at the gate of the diplomatic compound.
Two snapshots released show someone with their face hidden, dressed in dark clothes and carrying a backpack. These came from security cameras close to the spot, though the person’s features are mostly hidden.
Luckily, the blast only caused minor damage to the building, and no one got hurt.
Emergency crews rushed to the embassy on Morgedalsvegen street around 1 a.m. local time. Pictures shared online after the blast showed broken glass near the consular section, some cracks in a door, and dark burn marks on the floor.
The case is now top priority for investigators. Police are using drones, helicopters, and sniffer dogs to gather clues and track down possible suspects.
At this point, the motive remains unclear. Officials initially hinted the attack could be terrorism-related, but they say it’s too soon to say for sure.
Cops are also looking over a video that briefly popped up on Google Maps around the explosion time. Norwegian media say this removed clip featured footage of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
It’s worth mentioning Khamenei was assassinated last month during coordinated U.S.-Israeli strikes in Tehran, which has ramped up tensions in several areas. Police haven’t confirmed if that video ties directly to the bombing.
Officials are now urging the public for help, asking anyone who might have info about the suspect or noticed anything unusual near the embassy between midnight and 2 a.m. Sunday to step forward.
Norway’s government issued a firm condemnation. Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said targeting diplomatic buildings is totally unacceptable and stressed the government’s commitment to embassy security.
Over in the U.S., they’re also looking into the incident. A State Department spokesperson confirmed that American authorities are working closely with Norwegian investigators.
Even though the damage was limited, security around Oslo’s diplomatic sites has been ramped up, as police continue the search for the individual caught on camera near the embassy just before the explosion. Game changer.
Written by Christiane Hofreiter
