Tens of thousands in Copenhagen vigil for shooting victims

Tens of thousands of Danes have gathered for a torchlit vigil in Copenhagen to commemorate the victims of two shootings that shocked the nation and heightened fears of a new surge in anti-Semitic violence. Stunned citizens in what is usually one of the world’s most peaceful countries flocked to Monday’s rally in a square near the cultural centre where the first attack took place. Many held flaming torches aloft, illuminating the chilly winter night. A police spokesman estimated that some 30,000 people had turned out to pay tribute to the two victims.

Tonight I want to tell all Danish Jews: you are not alone. An attack on the Jews of Denmark is an attack on Denmark, on all of us.

Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt, speaking to the crowd at the vigil

The first victim, 55-year-old filmmaker Finn Norgaard, was killed when a gunman opened fire during a debate on free speech on Saturday. The same attacker then targeted the city’s main synagogue, killing 37-year-old Dan Uzan. Prime Minister Thorning-Schmidt said Danes had come together to “insist on living free and safe lives in a democratic country”. ”When others try to scare us and tear us apart, our response is always a strong community,” she declared.

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