On July 22nd, 2011, terrorist attacks targeted offices in Oslo and Utoya Island. Among the 69 victims was 14-year-old Johannes Buo from Longyearbyen, planning to spend his summer on the island with friends. Several other children from Longyearbyen were also injured.
An anonymous donation led to the unveiling of this statue in October 2012 outside the church, serving as a memorial for Johannes, his friends, and all those affected that day.