A tragic mass shooting unfolded on Tuesday at Campus Risbergska, an adult education center located in Örebro, Sweden, claiming the lives of around ten individuals, including the suspected gunman. This incident has been labeled the worst mass shooting in Swedish history, casting a dark shadow over the nation.
According to various sources, the shooting ramped up around 12:30 p.m. local time when police first received reports of gunfire. The descent of fear quickly enveloped the campus filled with students pursuing various educational paths, including those aimed at immigrants and vocational training. Roberto Eid Forest, the head of the local police, reported, "Around 10 people have been killed today," confirming the devastating impact of the gunman’s actions.
Eyewitnesses reflected upon the terrifying chaos. One witness, Andreas Sundling, recalled the agonizing moments of hearing three distinct bangs followed by loud screams, evoking the sheer panic of the scene. "We heard three bangs and loud screams," he recounted as he sheltered inside a classroom.
A female student, identified only as Marwa, recounted her desperate attempts to save fellow students. "A guy next to me was shot in the shoulder. He was bleeding a lot. I took my friend's shawl and tied it tightly around his shoulder so he wouldn't bleed so much," she said. Her account underlines the immediate human connection and instinct to help during moments of sheer horror.
While the investigation is still developing, police officials stated there is no current indication of terrorism involved. Forest commented, "We do not think there is any terror motive behind this, but it is too early in the investigation to say." It has been established, alongside this, the shooter was not previously known to the police and had no gang connections, offering some unclear semblance of safety for the community.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson addressed the grim reality of the situation, stating, "This is the worst mass shooting in Swedish history." His words resonate with the unusually high rate of violent crime Sweden has faced recently, yet fatal school shootings remain rare. "Being locked in a classroom, fearing for your life, is a nightmare no one should have to experience," he added, encapsulating the anguish felt by many.
The scene escalated as police initiated lockdown measures, urging the public to avoid the area and stay indoors. Schools surrounding the campus were also secured for safety reasons, providing insight on how deeply this tragedy affected the larger educational environment.
Reports later indicated the shooter might have acted alone, with Forest expressing condolences for the victims and affirming, "This is a terrible event. This is exceptional, a nightmare." This statement echoes through the community as they struggle to comprehend the violence endured.
King Carl XVI Gustaf shared his dismay, stating, "Tonight we send our condolences to the families and friends of the deceased. Our thoughts at this time are also with the injured and their families, as well as others affected." His acknowledgment highlights the collective grief shared by the nation.
Despite the horrific nature of this incident, there have been calls to investigate the underlying causes of such violent acts occurring more frequently. The Leader of the Opposition Left Party, Nooshi Dadgostar, voiced concerns on social media, expressing, "The violence our country is going through is an abyss we must find our way out of together."
Across the region, schools had been put on heightened alert following the attack, reflecting the seriousness of the situation, with hopes amid confusion of restoring safety and calm.
The horror of the situation at Campus Risbergska will leave ripples across Sweden, provoking conversations on gun violence and public safety. While this tragedy marks one of the darkest days for the nation, the response from public figures and community members alike demonstrates solidarity and hope for healing.