Jewish American Heritage Month

Posted By richards on February 17, 2015

COPENHAGEN, Denmark The gunman accused of killing two and injuring five in attacks at a freedom of speech event and a synagogue was "loyal" and had "a good heart," according to a friend.

Omar Abdelhamid Hussein, who was named in a Danish court as the main suspect in the shootings, was known to police and had recently been in jail, authorities said. He was fatally shot by police after opening fire on officers who were investigating Sunday's attacks in Copenhagen.

"I have nothing bad to say about Omar, because I didn't get that impression of him," said Mark Undall, who knew Hussein for seven years as a fellow kickboxer.

"I experienced Omar as a normal young man, who was loyal towards his friends and who had a good heart," Udall told NBC News. "His alleged actions are something, which I can't relate to nor recognize."

Copenhagen has been on high alert since Saturday's attacks, and nervousness was underlined early Tuesday when a suspicious package left outside one of the crime scenes caused a security alert.

Police rushed to the cafe which had hosted the free speech event, and removed a large transparent envelope which they later confirmed contained no explosives.

Earlier, tens of thousands gathered at torch-lit memorials around Denmark to commemorate the victims and promote understanding between communities.

"It's very moving," said Maya Moeller, who attended a huge vigil in Copenhagen. "We have to remember not to be mad at every Muslim in Denmark."

Hussein was identified in court Monday as the main suspect, a lawyer told NBC News. Police have said the gunman was a 22-year-old Danish man, but they have not confirmed his identity.

An image released by Danish police shows Omar Abdelhamid Hussein on a subway train in connection to a stabbing in Copenhagen on November 22, 2013,

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Synagogue Gunman Had 'Good Heart': Friend

Category: Synagogue
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