The attacker in the Copenhagen attack is dead, has links to Islamic terrorism. Yahoo/AP

A possible photo of the suspect from a security camera. Yahoo/AP.

Police in Denmark have shot and killed the attacker who committed two shooting attacks in Copenhagen. Yahoo/AP. The attacks killed two civilians and wounded five cops and occurred at a free speech event and a synagogue. Danish officials believe that radical Islam was the motivation of the attack and that the main target was Lars Vilks, a Swedish artist who drew Mohammad as a dog. Though Vilks was unhurt another civilian was killed. Later, the suspect killed a Jewish security guard who was assigned to the synagogue. The suspect, who's name and nationality have not been released at this time, was "on the radar" for Danish intelligence officials and may have been inspired by the Charlie Hebdo attacks that killed 17 in France last month or the propaganda from ISIS calling for lone wolf attacks. It is unclear if the suspect had any further links to Islamic extremism. 

My Comment:

Not a whole lot to go on yet but at least this attack is over now. Danish police did a good job tracking this guy down before he could do anymore harm. Unlike the aftermath of the Charlie Hebdo attacks, they should not have to worry about further terror attacks and hostage situations. That being said this is a disturbing trend. This guy obviously was willing to die and he managed to take a couple of people with him. I'm guessing since he was armed with a fully automatic weapon that he had some outside help. Denmark has very strict gun laws so he must have either stolen the gun or bought it on the black market. Either of those things require connections. 

One wonders which group he was affiliated with. ISIS gets more attention but almost all of their efforts have been in the Middle East and North Africa. Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula was involved in the Charlie Hebdo attacks and are more focused on international attacks so I think they are the more likely suspect. It could be some other group or just a lone wolf attack merely inspired by ISIS or Al-Qaeda. I'd put my money on Al-Qaeda though. 

The next question is what country is next? Given the relative numbers of radicalized Muslims in Europe compared with America, I'm guessing the next attack will be in Europe as well. The terrorists have finally wised up and have found a more effective way to carry out attacks. Sending one guy out with a rifle is much easier then trying to coordinate a huge strike with dozens of people and its cheaper as well. And the payouts are about the same, with the added bonus of causing panic when a gunman is on the loose. This is a development that does not bode well for the continued security of Europe.