A Danish court has convicted two Swedish nationals of terrorism and attempted murder after they detonated two hand grenades near the Israeli embassy in Copenhagen in October 2024. The explosions occurred close to residential buildings but, fortunately, caused no injuries.
Details of the Attack
In the early hours of Oct. 2, 2024, the men threw two hand grenades in the direction of the Israeli embassy in central Copenhagen. The devices failed to reach the embassy and instead exploded on the terrace of a nearby residential building occupied by a family with children. Local police said the blasts occurred about 100 meters (109 yards) from the embassy, which sits in a neighbourhood that includes other diplomatic missions; the nearby Jewish school Carolineskolen was closed at the time.
Court Ruling and Sentences
The Copenhagen City Court sentenced the younger defendant, aged 18, to 12 years in prison and the older defendant, aged 21, to 14 years, according to Swedish news agency TT. The court found them guilty of both terrorism and attempted murder. The verdict was not unanimous: two judges and four jurors concluded the defendants were guilty of terrorism while one judge and two jurors dissented.
Soeren Harbo, special prosecutor at Copenhagen Police, arrives at Copenhagen City Court on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, where the Copenhagen City Court is expected to deliver a verdict in the criminal case against two Swedish citizens accused of terrorism and attempted terrorism by throwing hand grenades at the Israeli embassy in Hellerup in October 2024. (Thomas Traasdahl/Ritzau Scanpix via AP)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Defendants' Statements and Related Cases
Both men admitted throwing the grenades but told investigators they acted for payment and denied any ideological motive for targeting an Israeli institution. The younger defendant also faces charges in Sweden over an attack on the Israeli embassy in Stockholm the day before the Copenhagen incident; the older defendant faces separate criminal charges in Sweden as well. Lawyers for both men said they will appeal. In addition to prison terms, the verdicts include deportation to Sweden after completion of their sentences.
Broader Context
Sweden has long struggled with gang violence, including the recruitment of teenagers from socially disadvantaged neighbourhoods to carry out violent acts. Local reporting has linked violent incidents to criminal networks such as the Foxtrot network and its rival Rumba, which have been implicated in deadly feuds.
Next steps: Appeals are expected; deportation orders are part of the verdicts. Authorities continue to investigate possible links between the Copenhagen attack and related incidents in Sweden.
