Norway Hunting Shooting: Father, Son Killed in Halden

A Norway hunting shooting near the Swedish border left a father and son dead and a third hunter critically wounded on Sunday morning, October 4, 2026. Police in Halden, about 120 kilometers south of Oslo, received the first emergency alert around 07:30 local time after a gunman opened fire on an organized hunting party gathering to plan their day in the forest.

What Happened in the Halden Forest Shooting?

According to the Norwegian news agency NTB and broadcaster NRK, about a dozen hunters had assembled at a rural farm near Halden, in Østfold county, to assign hunting positions for the annual moose and deer season. As members discussed their plans, a man who was not part of the group fired a hunting rifle at them. The attack killed a man in his seventies and his son in his forties. A third man, also in his forties, was seriously wounded and airlifted to Ullevål Hospital in Oslo, where he was reported stable but in critical condition.

Norwegian hunting season regulations have made early October a busy period in this border region, where moose hunting is a long-standing local tradition.

Who Was the Suspect?

Police arrested a man in his late twenties at the scene. He was not a member of the hunting party, but investigators say he likely had some link to the group. “We do not think this is a completely random person who started shooting at a hunting party,” police said. The suspect owned two registered hunting rifles and had no prior criminal record. After opening fire, he was tackled and held by bystanders and fellow hunters until officers arrived. He has been charged with murder and attempted murder and has confessed, according to police prosecutor Anders Svarholt.

Police Investigation and Possible Motive

Authorities believe the shooter acted alone and are still working to establish a motive. While some early reports suggested no known connection between the shooter and the victims, police said evidence pointed “in both directions” on whether the attack targeted specific individuals or the whole group. Forensic teams remained at the scene throughout Sunday, and a crisis team was set up for family members and witnesses.

The case has drawn comparisons to recent rural shootings in Scandinavia, though police stress that hunting-related firearm incidents of this scale are extremely rare in Norway.

Impact on the Local Hunting Community

The Norway hunting shooting has shaken the close-knit hunting community around Halden, a town near the Swedish border where moose and deer hunting are part of autumn life. Local officials offered support to the victims' families and to the hunters who witnessed the attack and helped subdue the gunman. The incident also raises questions about Norwegian firearms licensing rules and how a licensed weapon was used in an apparently targeted assault.

FAQ: Norway Hunting Shooting in Halden

What happened in the Norway hunting shooting?

A gunman opened fire on a hunting group near Halden, Norway, on October 4, 2026, killing a father and son and critically wounding a third hunter.

Where did the Halden forest shooting occur?

The shooting took place at a rural farm near Halden in Østfold, southeastern Norway, close to the Swedish border and about 120 kilometers south of Oslo.

Who is the suspect in the Norway hunting attack?

The suspect is a man in his late twenties who was not part of the hunting party. He was arrested at the scene, has confessed, and faces murder and attempted-murder charges.

What is the motive for the Halden shooting?

The motive remains unknown. Police believe the shooter acted alone and may have had a link to the group, but they have not confirmed a specific target.