At least ten people, including the gunman, were killed during a mass shooting at the Campus Risbergska adult education center in the central Swedish city of Örebro on Tuesday, police reported.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson characterized the attack as the "worst mass shooting" the country has ever seen during a news conference shortly after the incident. “This is the worst mass shooting in Swedish history,” he stated, expressing deep concern and calling for patience as officials work to understand the circumstances surrounding the shooting. "Many questions remain unanswered, and I cannot provide those answers either. But the time will come when we will know what happened, how it could occur, and what motives may have been behind it. Let us not speculate," he added.
According to police reports, the shooting occurred around 12:30 PM local time (1130 GMT). Initial responses noted four people had been shot, but this number quickly increased as the situation unfolded. A police statement revealed: "Around 10 dead in Sweden school shooting," prompting large-scale operations and urgent caution to the public to stay clear of the area, as the operation was still active.
The school, located approximately 125 miles west of Stockholm, serves adult students, primarily those over 20, and offers various programs including vocational training and Swedish classes for immigrants. During the shooting, eyewitness accounts described hearing what sounded like automatic gunfire, leading to widespread panic.
Orebro police chief Roberto Eid Forest held press conferences, explaining the chaotic scene. “One of the injured persons is someone whom we suspect may be the assailant,” he disclosed, adding the suspect's identity was still under wraps. Subsequently, reports emerged indicating the gunman turned the weapon on himself, but these details were not officially confirmed.
Survivors detailed their terrifying experiences. Teachers Miriam Jarlevall and Patrik Söderman recounted students running to them, warning of the gunfire: “Students came and said someone was shooting. Then we heard more shooting in the hallway. We didn’t go out, we hid in our offices.” Another eyewitness, Andreas Sundling, described the chaos as he barricaded himself inside the classroom, hearing intense gunfire: "We heard three bangs and loud screams."
Despite this being the deadliest shooting incident of its kind, gun violence is relatively rare at schools within Sweden, though recent years have seen increased incidents of violence linked to gangs. Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer acknowledged the serious nature of the reports, stating: “The reports are very serious. The government is closely following developments with the police.”
Early Wednesday morning, media reports indicated police had raided properties associated with the shooter, believed to be about 35 years old and someone unknown to law enforcement prior to this incident. While reports from various media suggested the shooter acted alone, police have not ruled out the possibility of additional perpetrators.
Prime Minister Kristersson also focused on the trauma experienced by the victims, noting, “My thoughts are also with all those whose normal school day was replaced with terror. Being confined to a classroom with fear for your own life is a nightmare no one should experience.”
The tragic event serves as chilling evidence of the growing concerns surrounding security and violence at public institutions, even in countries like Sweden where such instances have traditionally been uncommon.
Tracking the fallout from this devastating incident, local authorities have heightened security measures across educational facilities and called for community engagement to support affected individuals.
The investigation continues as the community grapples with the aftermath of this heart-wrenching event, working toward healing and ensuring safety for all.