On January 30, 2026, a violent incident occurred during a Þorrablót feast hosted by the local club HK in Kópavogur, Iceland, where a man in his fifties sustained severe head injuries after being attacked. The assailant, who is known to have a long history of violent offenses, has become the focus of an intensive police investigation led by the capital region's investigative unit, as the incident is classified as a serious assault.

Following the attack, the police sought pre-trial detention for the attacker, but a district court initially denied the request. This decision was later overturned by the Landsréttur (High Court), leading to the assailant being held for two days before being released back into the community. This case raises serious concerns about the management of individuals with extensive criminal backgrounds, particularly in regards to public safety and the efficacy of the legal system in handling cases of ongoing violence.

Local law enforcement officials, including Police Chief Elín Agnes Eide Kristínardóttir, have underscored the seriousness of the ongoing investigation and the potential implications for future public events. The community in Kópavogur is coming to terms with the incident, reflecting on the need for heightened security measures at public gatherings, especially given the assailant's history and the nature of the violence involved.