Orebro, Sweden — A tragic mass shooting in Sweden has resulted in the deaths of at least 11 individuals, including the shooter, with an additional five people suffering serious injuries at an adult education facility located west of Stockholm. The incident, which has shaken the nation known for its low rates of gun violence, occurred during a tumultuous afternoon on Tuesday.
By Wednesday morning, authorities had not yet determined the motive behind the attack. Medical reports confirmed that three women and two men were admitted to Orebro University Hospital with gunshot wounds. According to health officials, these patients underwent surgery and are currently in serious but stable condition. Another woman received treatment for less severe injuries and is also stable. Additionally, two of the gunshot victims have been placed in intensive care for further monitoring.
The facility, named Campus Risbergska, offers various classes for adults, including primary and secondary education, language courses for immigrants, vocational training, and programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Located on the outskirts of Orebro, which lies approximately 200 kilometers (125 miles) from the capital, this educational center serves individuals aged 20 and older.
Speaking on the tragedy, Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer expressed that the incident has profoundly impacted society as a whole. In response to the shooting, King Carl XVI Gustaf and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson have directed that flags be lowered to half-mast at the Royal Palace and across governmental buildings. The royals plan to visit Orebro to attend a memorial service at the affected school, with both Strömmer and Kristersson also expected to be present. Local soccer teams, Degerfors IF and Orebro Syrianska, have announced that they will wear black armbands in honor of the victims during a preseason match and will observe a moment of silence before the game.
The shooting occurred in the afternoon after many students had already left following a national examination. In response, students took shelter in adjacent buildings, and areas of the school were evacuated as police arrived on the scene. Authorities reported that when they entered the premises, they found the gunman deceased, but the circumstances of his death remain unclear.
Roberto Eid Forest, the local police chief, noted that the extensive size of the school delayed their search efforts to ensure there were no additional victims. Upon arrival, officers believed they were under gunfire when they heard shots. Additionally, six officers later received treatment for smoke inhalation, but it remains uncertain what caused the smoke at the site.
Investigations are underway as authorities gather evidence from witnesses and examine any available video recordings of the incident. Police have yet to confirm the type or number of weapons used by the shooter. They have indicated that there were no advance warnings about the attack and believe the gunman acted alone. As of now, it remains unknown whether the assailant had any affiliation with the school, and authorities have not indicated any ties to terrorism.
Following the shooting, police conducted a search of the suspect’s residence; however, no immediate findings have been disclosed. Authorities urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information on social media.
“This day has seen unspeakable violence directed towards innocent individuals,” remarked the Prime Minister at a press conference in Stockholm. He described the incident as the worst mass shooting in Sweden’s history and acknowledged that many questions still linger about the circumstances surrounding the attack. “There will be a time when we understand what transpired and the underlying motives,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of avoiding speculation.
Although such violent incidents within educational settings are uncommon in Sweden, there have been instances where individuals faced harm from other weapons, including knives and axes, in recent years.
