Swedish police confirmed that around ten people, including the suspected gunman, were killed in a mass shooting at an adult education center on Tuesday.
Authorities are still determining the final death toll and number of wounded, as the extensive damage at the crime scene has complicated the investigation.
Gunman Believed to Have Acted Alone
The shooting took place at Campus Risbergska, an educational institution in Orebro, about 200 kilometers west of Stockholm. Police believe the perpetrator acted alone and stated that he was not previously known to law enforcement. While the motive remains unclear, officials said there are no suspected links to terrorism at this stage.
Chaos and Panic as Gunfire Erupts
The attack unfolded shortly after midday, following a national exam that had already sent many students home. Some who remained on campus described hearing multiple gunshots, while others barricaded themselves inside classrooms, waiting for police to secure the area.
One witness, a 28-year-old student, recounted hearing three loud bangs followed by screams before he and others took cover. Emergency responders quickly arrived, with helicopters circling overhead as authorities evacuated parts of the school.
Rare but Growing Threat of Violence in Sweden
Gun violence at schools is highly unusual in Sweden, though there have been past attacks involving knives or axes. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson called the shooting a tragic day for the country, expressing deep sorrow for the victims and those who endured the terrifying ordeal.
Authorities continue to work on identifying the deceased and investigating what led to one of Sweden’s deadliest school attacks in recent history.
