Örebro, Sweden — In one of the deadliest attacks the country has seen, at least 10 individuals were killed in a mass shooting at an adult education center in Örebro, Sweden, authorities announced Tuesday. The assailant also died in the incident that took place at the Campus Risbergska school, which shares its grounds with several other educational institutions.
Roberto Eid Forest, the head of Örebro’s police district, disclosed that a considerable number of people sustained injuries during the attack. Police indicated that they were previously unaware of the gunman, who had no known gang affiliations and seemed to lack ideological motives for his actions.
“This appears to be the act of a lone individual,” Forest stated, describing the event as “a nightmare scenario” and “deeply tragic,” involving numerous victims and causing widespread distress.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, addressing the nation, conveyed his profound sadness and solidarity with the victims and their families, labeling the violence as “the most brutal and deadliest Sweden has witnessed.” Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer echoed the sentiment, marking the incident as “an indescribably sorrowful tragedy.”
The attack prompted a swift response from emergency services with six injured individuals being transported to the local university hospital, according to Jonas Claesson, the regional healthcare director. Four of the injured underwent surgery, with two reported in stable condition post-procedure.
The shooting prompted a large-scale police response with units arriving at the scene at approximately 12:30 p.m. local time. Although initially it was reported that gunfire was exchanged between police and the assailant, police spokesman Lars Hedlin later clarified that no police officers were injured in the incident. The public was advised to keep clear of the area and stay indoors for safety.
As the investigation unfolded, police swept various addresses across Örebro, focusing on collecting evidence to construct the full narrative of the attack. Forest mentioned that while the primary belief was that the shooter acted alone, the possibility of additional perpetrators had not been ruled out.
Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf expressed his dismay at the day’s events, extending condolences to the bereaved and acknowledging the efforts of emergency personnel who “worked intensively to save and secure human lives on this dark day.”
Eyewitnesses inside the school described harrowing scenes, with sounds of gunfire and screams resonating through the hallways. One student, Andreas Sundling, recounted sheltering in a classroom after hearing three loud bangs, underlining the palpable fear among those awaiting evacuation.
The Risbergska school predominantly serves adult students, providing a range of courses, including vocational training and classes for immigrants. According to a faculty member, the campus was unusually empty, given that many students had departed earlier in the day after a national examination.
This incident comes amidst a broader struggle with gun violence within Sweden, as authorities intensify efforts to curb gang-related shootings that have plagued the nation in recent years. In his response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Kristersson announced the initiation of an extensive investigation into the incident, reiterating his deep grief over the violence that shattered a typical school day and expressing solidarity with those impacted by the day’s terrible events.