Martin Braadland Charged With Double Homicide After Halden Hunting Incident
A 29-year-old man named Martin Braadland opened fire on a local hunting group in a forested area outside Halden at approximately 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, October 4, 2026, killing two men and seriously injuring a third. Dagbladet reported the suspect’s identity, noting that the shooting occurred as 12 to 15 hunters gathered to assign hunting posts before the morning hunt began. The victims included a man in his 70s and his son in his 40s. Braadland has confessed to the two homicides, though his defense attorney maintains he denies the charge of attempted murder.
Arrest and Suspect Disarmament by Witnesses at the Scene
Other members of the hunting party intervened immediately after the shots were fired. TV 2 reported that witnesses at the scene subdued Braadland before emergency services arrived. Police confirmed in a press release that the suspect laid down his weapon following the attack. Law enforcement units deployed heavily to the area after receiving emergency notifications at 7:30 a.m. Sunday.
Braadland Admits Guilt for Two Killings
Braadland’s defense attorney, Ole Richard Holm-Olsen, confirmed to NTB that his client signed a written statement admitting guilt for the two killings. However, Holm-Olsen stated to NTB that the suspect denies the charge of attempted murder, acknowledging only that he caused injury. NRK noted that Braadland has refused to participate in formal police interrogations and has conferred with an expert appointed to assess his sanity. A court will address his detention on Monday, where prosecutors intend to request a four-week remand with restrictions on letters and visits, as reported by TV 2. Police have ordered a preliminary psychiatric evaluation to determine whether a full forensic psychiatric assessment is necessary.
Prior Hunting Affiliation and Police Investigation Into Motive
Investigators established that Braadland was previously a member of the same hunting group he targeted, according to information obtained by NRK and Dagbladet. Police prosecutor Anders Svarholt told NRK that the primary working hypothesis remains that an underlying conflict triggered the attack, a theory strengthened by witness interviews conducted Sunday evening. Dagbladet noted that Braadland previously attempted to acquire a local forest property in 2021 from his father, though Halden municipality blocked the transfer because the land constituted a single operational unit with other family holdings. Public records show the suspect possessed a hunting license for two firearms and had engaged in sport shooting since his youth.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Halden Shooting
What is the legal status of the suspect following his confession?
Braadland has confessed in writing to two counts of murder but disputes the charge of attempted murder, according to statements given to NTB by defense attorney Ole Richard Holm-Olsen. He is scheduled for a custody hearing on Monday, where TV 2 reports prosecutors will seek a four-week remand.
Is there a family relationship between the shooter and the victims?
Police confirmed that no familial ties exist between the 29-year-old suspect and the victims, who consisted of a father in his 70s and his son in his 40s. Dagbladet reported that between 12 and 15 people from the local hunting group were present when the shots rang out.
What do investigators believe motivated the attack?
Police maintain a local conflict between the suspect and members of the hunting party as their primary hypothesis. NRK reported that police prosecutor Anders Svarholt confirmed investigators do not believe the shooter targeted the group at random, noting that Braadland previously belonged to the same hunting organization.
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