Ten or more fatalities reported at adult education facility in what authorities describe as Sweden’s deadliest mass shooting.

At least ten individuals lost their lives, including the shooter, in a tragic incident at an adult education facility on Tuesday, which Sweden’s prime minister declared to be the most devastating mass shooting in the country’s history. As of several hours post-event, the total number of casualties, injured individuals, and the shooter’s motives were still not clearly established.

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson held a press conference following the incident, which occurred in the outskirts of Örebro, a city located approximately 200 kilometers (125 miles) west of the capital, Stockholm. The institution involved, Campus Risbergska, caters to students over twenty years old and offers a variety of programs, including primary and upper secondary education, vocational training, and Swedish language courses for immigrants, as well as support for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

“Today, we have unfortunately seen incomprehensible violence targeted at innocent individuals,” Kristersson remarked during the press briefing in Stockholm. “This marks the most tragic mass shooting in Sweden’s history, and many questions remain unanswered, ones I currently cannot address. However, the time will come when we will uncover the details regarding what transpired, and the reasons behind it. Let us refrain from speculation.”

Incidents of gun violence in schools are exceedingly rare in Sweden, although there have been several assaults in recent years involving sharp objects like knives or axes. Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer characterized the shooting as “a heartbreaking event that unsettles our entire society.” He highlighted that while Swedes may have read about violence happening elsewhere, the nation had previously believed such occurrences would not take place there, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of Tuesday’s attack and calling it a profoundly saddening occurrence for the community.

The shooting sent ripples of shock throughout Europe, triggering a wave of outrage from officials in Brussels. “The events today in Örebro are utterly horrifying,” stated European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on social media. “Such violence and terror have no space in our communities—especially not in places of education. During this dark time, we stand united with the people of Sweden.”

Authorities reported that the aftermath at the crime scene was so devastating that it hindered efforts to provide a clear account of how many people had died, as per Roberto Eid Forest, who leads the local police. Confirmation from law enforcement indicated the death toll could potentially increase, and they believe the shooter was among those deceased. It was reported that the suspect acted independently and was not known to law enforcement prior to this incident.

While officials stated that there were no suspected links to terrorism at this time, they did not release a clear motive for the attack. “Naturally, we all seek to understand why this happened and what the shooter’s motivations were. We must await answers; eventually, the complete picture will emerge,” Kristersson said.

Law enforcement conducted a search of the shooter’s residence after the attack, though findings were not immediately disclosed. Eid Forest mentioned that there were no indicators leading up to the horror. Authorities worked diligently to identify the victims.

King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden commended the swift actions of police, paramedics, and emergency medical teams in response to the shooting, offering his condolences to the victims’ families. “We are deeply saddened by the tragic news from Örebro,” said the King in a statement. “Our heartfelt sympathies are extended to the families and friends of those who perished. Our thoughts also extend to the injured and their loved ones, as well as all who have been affected.”

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen conveyed solidarity with Sweden, describing the incident as “a truly terrible situation.” After meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London, she expressed her sadness, stating, “My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families, and indeed with the entire Swedish community.”

The shooting incident erupted after the majority of students had left for the day following national exams. Police vehicles and ambulances, flashing lights ablaze, filled the school’s parking lots and surrounding streets, while a helicopter circled above. Teacher Lena Warenmark noted to SVT News that there were an unusually low number of students present on campus post-exam. She recounted hearing around ten gunshots.

Students sought shelter in nearby buildings, while additional areas of the school were cleared as the situation unfolded, beginning around 12:30 p.m. local time (1130 GMT). Affected individual Andreas Sundling, aged 28, described his experience, recalling, “We heard three loud bangs followed by piercing screams,” while he took refuge in a classroom.