OREBRO, Sweden — The tragic mass shooting in Sweden has resulted in the deaths of at least 11 individuals, including the assailant, and left a minimum of five others critically injured at an adult education facility located west of Stockholm. Investigators are still attempting to ascertain the motive behind this horrific incident as the nation grapples with the impact of such unexpected gun violence, which is rare in Sweden, particularly at schools.
Malin Hilmberg, a 37-year-old local resident, expressed her disbelief at the situation: “Not in this place. We hear of such things around the world, but when it happens in your own hometown, it is simply heart-wrenching. So many lives have been devastated. Finding words is challenging.”
At Orebro University Hospital, medical staff reported that three women and two men were in surgery for gunshot wounds, with their conditions described as serious but stable. Another individual, a woman, received treatment for minor injuries. According to Jonas Claesson, the regional health director, two of the gunshot victims remain in intensive care. All victims are reportedly over 18 years of age according to official statements.
The incident took place at Campus Risbergska, an adult education center that caters to individuals aged 20 and older, providing various programs including Swedish language courses for immigrants and vocational training. This institution is situated on the outskirts of Orebro, roughly 200 kilometers (about 125 miles) west of the capital.
Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer described the shooting as a tragedy that “shakes our entire society to its core.” In light of the event, both King Carl XVI Gustaf and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson ordered flags at government buildings and the Royal Palace to be flown at half-staff. Community members have gathered outside the school to pay their respects, lighting candles and leaving flowers in memory of those affected.
Emelia Fredriksson, 53, shared her sentiments, saying, “It’s bizarre to live here in Orebro, where this is happening and to know that the world is watching us. It feels very strange.” On Wednesday, the king and Queen Silvia visited Orebro to attend a memorial service and honor the victims alongside the Prime Minister, emphasizing support for the grieving families.
In solidarity, local soccer teams Degerfors IF and Orebro Syrianska planned to don black armbands during their preseason match and observe a moment of silence before starting the game.
The shooting commenced Tuesday afternoon, just after many students had returned home following a national exam. Survivors described intense moments as they sought refuge, hiding wherever possible to escape the gunfire. One woman expressed her fears of never seeing her children again, while another used a friend’s shawl to help stop the bleeding of an injured man.
“That was the worst few hours of my life. I didn’t know if I would be shot at that moment or in 10 minutes,” recounted Hellen Werme, 35, to a local newspaper. Several students found safety in nearby buildings as the school was evacuated following the chaos.
As authorities worked to identify those who lost their lives, police discovered the deceased shooter at the scene but are still determining the circumstances of his death. Roberto Eid Forest, the local police chief, explained that the school’s expansive grounds made it a lengthy process for officers to ensure there were no additional victims. Upon arrival, they heard gunfire and initially suspected they were coming under attack.
Six officers received treatment for smoke inhalation; while there was no fire, the source of the smoke had yet to be identified. The police have not disclosed whether the shooter was equipped with multiple firearms or the specific type of weapon utilized in the incident. Although school shootings are infrequent in Sweden, recent years have seen attacks involving other weapons such as knives and axes.
In Sweden, possessing a firearm legally requires obtaining a license and proving the weapon’s intended use is valid, such as for hunting or target shooting. Applicants are mandated to provide documentation of their experience, including hunting and target shooting qualifications, and must secure weapons in police-approved cabinets.
Authorities have indicated that permits for fully automatic weapons or handguns are granted only under exceptional circumstances and come with time limitations. Any significant modifications to weapons can lead to the revocation of permits.
Currently, there are no clear motives identified for the attack. Police believe the shooter acted independently, and it remains uncertain if he was affiliated with the school. While no connections to terrorism have been suggested, law enforcement officials raided the suspect’s residence, though details on their findings have not yet emerged. They have advised the public to refrain from spreading misinformation on social media.
