The first reactions in Sweden to the bomb attack on the "Amalthea" were those of horror and disgust followed by condemnation, including from the wider workers' movement. However, after a while public opinion sided with Anton Nilson, Algot Rosberg and Alfred Stern, and a massive campaign was launched to have them freed. Thousands of international meetings were held in their support, including some 600 meetings amongst workers in the United States, organised by the Industrial Workers of the World and with Joe Hill as a leading participant.