
A mass shooting at an adult education center in Örebro resulted in the deaths of at least 11 people, including the gunman, and left five others critically injured.
The attack occurred on Tuesday afternoon at Campus Risbergska, a school that serves adults over the age of 20.
As the investigation unfolds, the motive behind the gunman’s actions remains unclear. Health officials reported that five individuals—three women and two men—were undergoing surgery at Örebro University Hospital for life-threatening injuries. While two of the victims are in intensive care, another woman is recovering from minor injuries.
Sweden, known for its low rates of gun violence, is grappling with the aftermath of this unprecedented assault. Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer described the shooting as an event that “shakes our entire society to its core.” In response, King Carl XVI Gustaf and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson ordered flags at government buildings to be flown at half-staff, as mourners gathered outside the school to pay their respects with candles and flowers.
Emelia Fredriksson, a local resident, expressed her disbelief, stating, “It’s very strange to be in the middle of this in Sweden, and now it’s all over the world.” The royal couple is expected to visit the site and attend a memorial service alongside government officials.
The shooting took place shortly after many students had left following a national examination. Witnesses described a scene of chaos as students sought shelter, with one survivor, Hellen Werme, recalling, “Those were the worst hours of my life. I did not know if I would get shot there and then.”
Authorities have confirmed that the shooter was found dead at the scene, but the circumstances surrounding his death are still under investigation. Police are currently working to identify the victims and are reviewing any available video footage of the incident.
Local police chief Roberto Eid Forest noted that the large size of the school complicated the response, as officers had to ensure the safety of the entire campus. He reported that six officers received treatment for smoke inhalation, although the source of the smoke has not yet been determined.
Despite Sweden’s stringent gun control laws, which require licenses and safe storage for firearms, the nation has experienced isolated incidents of violence in recent years. Police have indicated that there were no prior warnings regarding this attack and believe the shooter acted alone, without a known connection to terrorism.
Prime Minister Kristersson addressed the media, calling the tragedy “the worst mass shooting in Swedish history” and emphasized the need for patience as authorities work to uncover the details. “Many questions remain unanswered,” he stated. “But the time will come when we will know what happened and what motives may have been behind it.”
As the community mourns, the focus shifts to understanding how such a horrific event could occur in a country known for its safety and low crime rates. Further updates and investigations are expected in the coming days.