2011 Norway attacks

Approximately two hours after the Oslo bombing on July 22, 2011, Anders Behring Breivik, dressed in a police uniform, opened fire at a Workers' Youth League (AUF) camp on the island of Utøya, roughly 40 kilometers from Oslo. This mass shooting claimed the lives of 69 people, many of whom were teenagers attending the camp. Breivik, who was armed with multiple firearms, systematically targeted and shot camp participants as they attempted to flee or hide. This attack was the deadliest in Norway since World War II.

On July 22, 2011, a car bomb exploded in Regjeringskvartalet, the executive government quarter of Oslo, Norway, at 15:25:22 (CEST). The explosion killed eight people and injured at least 209 others. The bomb was placed inside a Volkswagen Crafter and contained an estimated 950 kilograms of homemade ANFO (ammonium nitrate and fuel oil). The powerful blast caused extensive damage to several government buildings, including the office of the Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg.

Anders Behring Breivik was arrested on Utøya island on the evening of July 22, 2011, shortly after the last shots were fired. Breivik did not resist arrest and confessed to both the Oslo bombing and the Utøya shooting while being apprehended by the Norwegian authorities. His arrest marked the end of a day of tragic and unprecedented violence in Norway as law enforcement secured the site and attended to the victims. He was charged with committing acts of terrorism.

On July 24, 2011, two days after the attacks, Norway observed a day of national mourning to honor the victims of the Oslo bombing and the Utøya shooting. Church services, memorial gatherings, and candlelight vigils were held nationwide as Norwegians came together in solidarity. Flags were flown at half-mast and the nation focused on commemorating those who lost their lives while offering support to the survivors and their families. This collective period of reflection showcased Norway's resilience.

On July 25, 2011, Anders Behring Breivik made his first court appearance in Oslo. During this closed hearing, he was remanded in custody and it was decided that the trial would be held in closed court sessions initially. Breivik admitted to the facts of the attacks but denied criminal guilt, claiming it was necessary to fight multiculturalism in Norway and Europe. His statements and demeanor during the session were closely reported by the press, allowing the public to gain insight into his mindset.

On August 21, 2011, a national memorial service was held at the Oslo Spektrum arena to honor the 77 victims of the Norway attacks. The ceremony included speeches from King Harald V and Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg, as well as musical performances and tributes. Thousands of people attended, including family members of victims and survivors of the attacks. This service was a part of ongoing efforts to provide support and respect for those who lost their lives and those affected.

Anders Behring Breivik's trial began on April 16, 2012, at the Oslo District Court. During the proceedings, Breivik took the stand and confessed to the killings, though he again contested legal guilt on the grounds of a political mandate. The trial was widely covered by the media, as it sought to establish Breivik's sanity and explore the motivations behind his heinous acts. It was one of the largest and most consequential trials in the nation's history, with 77 counts of murder against him.

On June 22, 2012, a second psychiatric evaluation was presented during the trial of Anders Behring Breivik. The evaluation concluded that Breivik was not psychotic during the attacks, a key factor in determining his criminal responsibility. This contradicted an earlier evaluation that suggested he was suffering from paranoid schizophrenia. The conclusion played a significant role in the trial, influencing decisions on whether Breivik would be sentenced to prison or committed to psychiatric care.

On August 24, 2012, the Oslo District Court delivered its verdict, finding Anders Behring Breivik sane and criminally responsible for the attacks. He was sentenced to 21 years of preventive detention, which can be extended indefinitely as long as he is deemed a threat to society. This was the maximum penalty under Norwegian law. The verdict was met with relief by many, including victims' families, and marked the culmination of a lengthy legal process following the tragic events of 2011.

On March 26, 2013, a Norwegian appeals court rejected Anders Behring Breivik's appeal and upheld the original sentence of 21 years of preventive detention imposed by the Oslo District Court. The decision confirmed that Breivik would remain in prison, underscoring the court's stance on the severity of his crimes and their impact on Norwegian society. The rejection of the appeal solidified Breivik's position as a criminal with no pathway to early release under current sentencing terms.