A tragic shooting at Campus Risbergska adult education center on Tuesday has left around ten people dead, including the suspected gunman. The incident, which took place on the outskirts of Orebro, located about 200 kilometers (125 miles) west of Stockholm, has sent shockwaves through Sweden, prompting widespread mourning and concern over safety.
According to local police chief Roberto Eid Forest, investigators are still assessing the extent of the damage at the crime scene, which was severely affected. "The damage is extensive, and as such, we are unable to provide definitive conclusions about the final death toll or the number of injured at this time," he stated. Nonetheless, authorities have confirmed the gunman was among the deceased, and there are indications the perpetrator acted alone.
The Campus Risbergska serves students over 20 years old, offering varied programs, including vocational training and Swedish classes for immigrants, as well as courses for individuals with intellectual disabilities. It is noteworthy for being one of the more established adult education centers, careful to provide inclusive education.
Gun violence at educational institutions is exceedingly rare in Sweden, though there have been several instances involving other weapons such as knives or axes in recent years. At present, police are not treating the shooting as terrorism and reported no warning signs leading up to the attack.
During the chaos, many students had already left campus after completing their national exams. Eyewitness accounts provided chilling details about the moments leading up to the shooting. Teacher Lena Warenmark reported to SVT News, "There were unusually few students on the campus Tuesday afternoon... I heard probably 10 gunshots. "Witnesses described the atmosphere as filled with panic as students hurriedly sheltered inside nearby buildings, unsure of what was happening.
One student, Andreas Sundling, recounted his experience during the assault. “We heard three bangs and loud screams,” he told Expressen newspaper, explaining how he and his classmates barricaded themselves inside their classroom, clinging to hope as they awaited rescue.
Following the shooting, which erupted around 12:30 p.m. local time (1130 GMT), emergency services flooded the scene, with police vehicles and ambulances filling the parking lots and streets surrounding the school. A helicopter hovered overhead as law enforcement began their investigation.
The emotional impact of the shooting is not lost on Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, who, addressing the nation, remarked, “It’s a very painful day for all of Sweden,” stressing the deep sense of loss felt across the country. His thoughts were directed toward students and families affected, sharing the sentiment, “Being confined to a classroom with fear for your own life is a nightmare no one should have to experience.”
Authorities are still working diligently to identify those who lost their lives during the attack. Meanwhile, concern over the future efficacy of safety measures at schools continues to mount. Residents and officials alike are left grappling with the aftermath of this tragic event, sparking discussions about gun control, mental health resources, and emergency preparedness protocols.
Despite the updates from authorities, there remains much uncertainty as the community begins to process the enormity of this tragedy. With investigations still underway, Sweden stands at a crossroads, confronting the harsh realities of violence within its borders.