ÖREBRO, Sweden — A tragic mass shooting at an adult education center in Örebro on Tuesday has claimed the lives of at least 10 people, making it the deadliest shooting in Sweden’s history.
The gunman, who was also killed, which made up to 11 casualties, opened fire at the Campus Risbergska, a school catering to adults who have not completed earlier stages of education.
The violence has left the country in shock, with mourners gathering for vigils and offering tributes to those lost.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson described the attack as “the worst mass shooting in Swedish history” and called for a thorough investigation.
DETAILS OF THE ATTACK
The shooting unfolded at 12:33 p.m. local time (6:33 a.m. ET) when authorities received reports of gunfire at Campus Risbergska, located about 160 kilometers west of Stockholm.
The campus, also known as a Komvux, serves adults seeking to complete their education and provides vital services to Sweden’s refugee and migrant populations.
Survivors described chaotic scenes as students barricaded themselves in classrooms, hiding from the gunman. “We heard bangs and loud screams. At first, we didn’t understand what it was, but then we realized it could be gunfire,” said Andreas Sundling, a student at the campus.
After about an hour of lockdown, police entered and evacuated the students.
CASUALTIES AND INJURIES
The shooting resulted in the deaths of at least 10 individuals and left six others injured. Authorities have confirmed that three women and two men were critically wounded and have undergone surgery.
All are in stable but serious condition, according to hospital updates.
Another woman suffered minor injuries.
The gunman’s identity has not been officially released, but police have confirmed he was not known to them and was not affiliated with any gangs or ideologies.
They suspect the attacker may have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after firing at officers when they arrived on scene.
COMMUNITY SHOCK AND GRIEF
As news of the attack spread, residents of Örebro came together in grief, lighting candles and leaving flowers at makeshift memorials near the school.
A deeply emotional vigil took place, with hundreds of locals paying their respects. Jenny Samuelsson, whose sister-in-law Camille was among those killed, said, “They were here to help others, to learn. I have no words. I can’t explain the hole in my heart.”
School shootings are exceedingly rare in Sweden, a nation known for its high living standards and robust social safety net.
The tragedy has sparked deep sadness and disbelief in a country that typically enjoys peace and stability.
THE PERPETRATOR AND THE INVESTIGATOR
Swedish authorities are still piecing together the details of the attack.
Although the gunman’s motives remain unclear, police have ruled out gang involvement or ideological reasons.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to understand how such a brutal act was able to unfold in a city known for its tranquility.
SWEDEN’S GROWING GUN VIOLENCE PROBLEM
Although school shootings are rare, Sweden has seen an uptick in gun violence in recent years, driven by escalating gang conflicts.
In 2023, the country had the highest rate of deadly gun violence per capita in the European Union, with 40 deaths reported in 2024.
Despite strict gun laws requiring licenses for firearm ownership, Sweden has been grappling with the rise of deadly violence linked to organized crime.
In response to the horrific attack, Prime Minister Kristersson has vowed to investigate the incident thoroughly.
King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden also visited the vigil on Wednesday to pay their respects, expressing their condolences to the victims’ families.