From the Liveblog of
Thursday, March 12, 2026
One arrested, one still at large after Norway synagogue incident
Zev Stub is the Times of Israel's Diaspora Affairs correspondent.
Norwegian police have arrested one suspect after a car chase that began near a synagogue in Trondheim, authorities say. They continue to search for another individual who fled on foot.
Police tell Norwegian broadcaster NRK that the incident began around 5:30 p.m. local time, when officers attempted to stop a vehicle near the city’s synagogue. During the attempted stop, a passenger exited the car and ran from the scene, carrying what police said may have been a bag.
Meanwhile, the driver sped away, the report says, prompting a highway police chase that ended near Svorkmo, about an hour away, when officers used a spike strip to force the vehicle to stop. The driver was taken into custody. Details about the driver have not been released.
Meanwhile, police continue to search for the second suspect, maintaining a significant presence around the synagogue, including monitoring the area with drones. Reports indicate that officers have been seen wearing bulletproof vests and carrying rifles and protective shields.
The area around the synagogue has been cordoned off. Local media reports that an event was scheduled at the synagogue later tonight.
Authorities say there is no immediate threat to residents in central Trondheim.
Police had increased security around the synagogue following the attack on the American embassy in Oslo on March 8, reports say.
The Times of Israel Community.