A tragic incident occurred on Tuesday at an adult education facility in Sweden, resulting in the deaths of approximately ten individuals, including the shooter. This event has been described by the country’s Prime Minister as the most severe mass shooting in Sweden’s history. As the situation unfolded, final casualty counts and details regarding the motivations behind the attack remained unclear.
During a press briefing held after the incident, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson addressed the media, noting that the shooting took place on the outskirts of Örebro, a city located about 200 kilometers (125 miles) from the capital, Stockholm. The facility, known as Campus Risbergska, caters to students over the age of 20, offering various educational programs including primary and secondary school courses, Swedish language courses for immigrants, vocational training, and support for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
“This day has brought about brutal, deadly violence directed towards innocent individuals,” Kristersson stated to reporters in Stockholm. He emphasized the unprecedented nature of the event, indicating that many pivotal questions remain unanswered. “We will eventually understand what transpired, how this could happen, and what motives lay behind it. However, we should refrain from speculation for now,” he urged.
Incidents of gun violence in educational settings are quite rare in Sweden. However, there have been sporadic occurrences in recent years involving other forms of violence, such as stabbings and attacks with axes. Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer remarked on the incident, describing it as an occurrence that profoundly affects the fabric of society.
While there has been a perception that such violence is something that occurs elsewhere, Strömmer expressed that this event has been a wake-up call for the nation. He called the attack “indescribably sad” and noted that other violent incidents in schools had not reached this dreadful magnitude.
The shooting also prompted a strong reaction across Europe, with officials in Brussels expressing their sorrow and outrage. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen conveyed her sentiments through social media, stating, “What happened today in Örebro is truly horrifying. Such violence and terror have no place in our societies – least of all in schools. In this dark hour, we stand with the people of Sweden.”
Local police chief Roberto Eid Forest explained that the extensive damage at the scene complicates efforts to establish a clear count of the fatalities. Authorities indicated that the number of deaths could potentially increase, and it has been confirmed that the suspected shooter is among them. The investigation suggests that the gunman acted independently and had no prior history with law enforcement.
While investigators did not reveal any links to terrorism, they also refrained from providing a motive for the attack. Prime Minister Kristersson acknowledged the shared desire to understand the reasoning behind this tragedy, affirming that answers will emerge in time.
After the shooting, police conducted a search at the shooter’s home, though it was unclear what, if anything, was discovered. Eid Forest mentioned that there were no apparent signs leading up to the attack, as efforts continue to identify the victims.
Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf extended his appreciation to the police, medical teams, and rescuers involved in responding to the tragic event and offered condolences to the victims’ families. “My family and I are saddened by the abhorrent news from Örebro,” he stated. “We express our deepest sympathies this evening to the families and friends of those who lost their lives. Our thoughts are also with the injured and all those affected.”
The shooting happened after many students had returned home following a national exam, leading to a swift police and emergency service response around the campus. According to teacher Lena Warenmark, the campus had fewer students that afternoon, and she reported hearing what she thought to be around ten gunshots. Students took refuge in nearby buildings, while parts of the school were evacuated after the shooting commenced at approximately 12:30 p.m. local time (1130 GMT).
One student, 28-year-old Andreas Sundling, recounted the experience of seeking safety during the chaos. “We heard three loud bangs followed by frantic screams,” he described during his time sheltering in a classroom.
