OREBRO, Sweden — A tragic mass shooting in Sweden has left at least 11 individuals dead, including the assailant, and five others in critical condition at an adult education institution located west of Stockholm. This incident marks one of the deadliest shootings in the country’s history, with police stating that the extent of the carnage made it challenging to compile an accurate count of fatalities in the immediate aftermath.
As of early Wednesday, authorities had not yet identified the motives behind this horrific act. The Scandinavian country, known for its low incidence of gun violence in schools, is struggling to comprehend the magnitude of this attack. Reports indicate that several victims underwent surgery at Orebro University Hospital, where all were described to be in serious but stable condition following life-threatening injuries. Additionally, another woman received treatment for minor injuries.
Jonas Claesson, the regional director of health and medical services, confirmed that out of the seriously injured individuals, two were admitted to intensive care. All identified victims were adults aged 18 and over. Remarkably, no further patients related to the shooting were admitted to the hospital overnight.
The shooting took place at Campus Risbergska, an educational facility that provides various programs for adults including primary and secondary education, Swedish-language classes for immigrants, vocational training, and support for individuals with intellectual disabilities. This school is situated on the outskirts of Orebro, approximately 200 kilometers (125 miles) away from Stockholm.
In response to the tragedy, Sweden’s Justice Minister, Gunnar Strömmer, described the event as one that profoundly shakes society. In a display of solidarity, King Carl XVI Gustaf along with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson directed that flags be lowered to half-staff at official buildings and the Royal Palace. The royal couple was scheduled to visit the district and participate in a memorial service, alongside the Prime Minister and Justice Minister. Additionally, local soccer teams, Degerfors IF and Orebro Syrianska, planned to pay tribute by wearing black armbands and observing a moment of silence prior to their preseason match on Wednesday evening.
The tragic events unfolded Tuesday afternoon, shortly after students had completed a national examination, resulting in many students being sent home. Those who remained sought refuge in surrounding buildings, leading to an evacuation of certain sections of the campus.
Efforts are underway to identify the deceased, with police confirming that the shooter was found dead on-site upon their arrival. The circumstances surrounding the gunman’s death remain unclear. According to Roberto Eid Forest, head of the local police, the expansive nature of the school necessitated a thorough search of the premises, thereby delaying an accurate assessment of the situation. He noted that gunfire was audible upon their arrival, leading to initial concerns that they were under fire.
Six officers reportedly required treatment for smoke inhalation, although it has been clarified that there was no fire involved. The source of the smoke remains undetermined at this time. Investigations continue, with law enforcement looking to gather testimonies from witnesses and reviewing any potential video evidence related to the shooting. So far, authorities have not confirmed if the assailant used multiple firearms.
There were no prior warnings of impending violence, and investigators believe the shooter acted independently. As of now, it has not been disclosed whether the assailant was associated with the school. While officials have yet to reveal a possible motive, they have stated that there are no indications of terrorism linked to the incident. In the aftermath, police conducted a search of the suspect’s residence, but findings were not transparently communicated to the public. Law enforcement has also advised against the dissemination of false information on social media.
“This is an unprecedented display of cruelty against innocent individuals,” Prime Minister Kristersson remarked to the press on Tuesday evening. He acknowledged the severity of the event, calling it the worst mass shooting in the nation’s history and emphasized the necessity for patience as the investigation unfolds, urging against jumping to conclusions about the reasons behind the attack.
In a country where gun violence in educational institutions is exceedingly rare, there have been other violent incidents involving different weapons such as knives in recent years. The investigation proceeds as Sweden grapples with this distressing chapter in its history.
