Video raises questions about fatal police shooting

Cell phone video of man killed by police suggests he had his hands at his sides at the time the fatal bullet was fired

A 15-second anonymous iPhone video shown to the tabloids Ekstra Bladet and BT seems to show that Muammer Arslan, the 48-year-old man shot by police in Slagelse Friday night was standing with his hands at his sides when an officer shot him at close range.

The video reportedly shows the officer raising his gun and shooting at Arslan's legs. Arslan then collapses. Although reports following the shooting said that Arslan was recovering, he died from his wounds on Sunday.

“It seemed unnecessary to shoot,” Ekstra Bladet quotes several unnamed sources as saying. “The officer could have used pepper spray or pulled his night stick.”

READ MORE: Man recovering after being shot by police

Tabloids refused to buy video
The video was offered to the tabloids at a price they both declined to pay. It has not been released publicly but was shown to the staff of both tabloids.

In the video, Arslan appears to be standing peacefully, but it is unclear whether or not he is holding a weapon.

The shooting happened after Arslan was thrown out of the Old Irish Pub in Slagelse for refusing to put his coat in the cloakroom. Police said that Arslan then went home, got a knife, and came back and threatened to kill the club’s bouncer.

Eyewitnesses told TV2 News that Arslan refused to drop the knife when ordered to do so by police, who then reportedly fired warning shots before an officer pointed his service revolver at the man, fired, and hit him in the thigh or groin.

While Arslan was in Slagelse Hospital, he was charged in absentia with attempted murder and threatening the doorman. Arslan, who left behind three children, died Sunday afternoon. The family plans to have him buried in Turkey as soon as police release his body.

READ MORE: Man shot by police dies

Victim had previous stabbing conviction
Zealand authorities said that was Arslan had been convicted in September of stabbing 31-year-old man with a knife.

The victim escaped with superficial injuries to his stomach. Arslan was sentenced to three months' imprisonment and 60 hours of community service.

The shooting is under investigation by DUP, the independent police complaints authority. They have asked the person who filmed the video turn it over to DUP to assist in their investigation of the shooting. 

TOP STORIES

  • Copenhagen revisited through memoir poetry

    Copenhagen revisited through memoir poetry

    Not all students feel like reading Danish poetry after a meeting at a language school with writer and poet Henrik Palle. Yet, a portrayal of Copenhagen as the city once was and the impressions of what the city is today give a deeper impression of the Danes

  • “No one seems to stand up for internationals”

    “No one seems to stand up for internationals”

    “To some extent, Denmark is not fair to internationals.” Nichlas Walsted, 34 years old, is the CEO of Swap Language, a provider of Danish lessons to more than 10,000 internationals. Tens of thousands of people follow him, and he advocates for internationals: “Because no one else does. I can’t think of a single politician or well-known person in Denmark who stands up for them,” he says.

  • Busy Copenhagen Airport nets a nice profit for the Danish State

    Busy Copenhagen Airport nets a nice profit for the Danish State

    Almost 30 million passengers travelled to or from Copenhagen Airport in 2024. The profit was 1.4 billion DKK and both figures are expected to grow in 2025. Expansions continue, and investments are being made in continued progress

  • Copenhagen ranked 4th for career growth

    Copenhagen ranked 4th for career growth

    Copenhagen is ranked as the fourth-best city in the world for career growth, according to an analysis by EnjoyTravel. This ranking considers various factors such as living costs, salary levels, workforce availability, and overall quality of life. Copenhagen is noted for its blend of historical and modern elements, particularly in the green energy sector, which influences job opportunities.

  • Greenland moves to the right

    Greenland moves to the right

    A very surprising election gives victory to the right-wing opposition party Demokraatit. The incumbent center-left coalition loses spectacularly. Greenland – and Denmark – anxiously await upcoming government negotiations

  • Raise the voice of internationals. Take the survey and share your experience in Denmark.

    Raise the voice of internationals. Take the survey and share your experience in Denmark.

    Copenhagen Capacity has launched a survey for all internationals living in Denmark to find out if they are happy here and what challenges they face. The Copenhagen Post is the media partner for this initiative. You can find the survey below in the article.

Connect club

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.

Sign up here

Career

  • Copenhagen ranked 4th for career growth

    Copenhagen ranked 4th for career growth

    Copenhagen is ranked as the fourth-best city in the world for career growth, according to an analysis by EnjoyTravel. This ranking considers various factors such as living costs, salary levels, workforce availability, and overall quality of life. Copenhagen is noted for its blend of historical and modern elements, particularly in the green energy sector, which influences job opportunities.

  • Data shows that non-Western immigrants have saved local economies in Denmark

    Data shows that non-Western immigrants have saved local economies in Denmark

    A study reveals how only the massive influx of non-Western immigrants has saved many areas in Denmark from a decline in the workforce and a consequently shrinking economy

  • Long-term unemployment is double for non-Western immigrants

    Long-term unemployment is double for non-Western immigrants

    An analysis from the Labour Movement’s Business Council shows that the rate in long-term unemployment for non-Western immigrants is 1.8 times higher than for Danes. In other words, a chronic unemployment situation is way more probable for non-Western internationals.

Want to advertise your job with CPH Post?

Contact us

Jobs