On Friday afternoon in Ørsta, police received multiple reports about a man dressed in camouflage gear, wearing a helmet and carrying a weapon, entering a residential area. This prompted the police to deploy several patrols to investigate the situation thoroughly. Given that the Home Guard had been conducting exercises in various locations within the district that week, there was an assumption that the incident might relate to these activities. However, the specific location where the man was seen was not part of the training exercises, which necessitated police action to clarify the situation.

Operations leader Sindre Molnes from the Møre og Romsdal District Police stated that while they responded with caution, they recognized the possibility of a misunderstanding due to the ongoing military exercises. Upon arriving, they found that their initial concerns were valid, as the man in camouflage actually explained that he had indeed been participating in a Home Guard exercise, specifically for the King and the Fatherland. This clarification alleviated any immediate concerns about the security threat, as the man had not been acting suspiciously but rather was engaging in official military training.

This incident underscores the importance of communication between local law enforcement and military training operations, particularly in residential areas. It highlights an essential aspect of public safety, where community awareness is crucial in preventing unnecessary panic during such exercises, and reflects how rapidly situations can escalate based on public perception. The police were able to resolve the matter swiftly, reaffirming the commitment to public safety while also supporting the ongoing military practices in the area.