Sweden’s Worst Mass Shooting Leaves 10 Dead at School \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ A mass shooting at Campus Risbergska, an adult education center in Orebro, Sweden, left about 10 people dead, including the gunman. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson called it the worst mass shooting in Swedish history, though the final death toll and motive remain unclear. The attack shocked Sweden and Europe, with officials condemning the violence. Witnesses described chaotic scenes, as students sheltered in fear. Swedish authorities are investigating, but say there are no known ties to terrorism at this time.
Sweden’s Deadliest Mass Shooting: Quick Looks
- 10 people, including the gunman, were killed in a mass shooting at Campus Risbergska in Orebro, Sweden.
- Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson called it the worst school attack in Swedish history.
- The final death toll and number of wounded remain unclear as investigations continue.
- The gunman acted alone and was not previously known to police, officials said.
- No links to terrorism have been found so far, though the motive is still unknown.
- Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots, with students and staff barricading themselves in classrooms.
- European leaders condemned the violence, with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen calling it “truly horrifying.”
- The Swedish King expressed condolences, praising police and emergency responders.
- The attack took place after a national exam, when many students had already left campus.
- Police raided the gunman’s home, but have yet to disclose their findings.
Deep Look: Sweden Reels from Worst Mass Shooting in Orebro
Sweden is in mourning following the country’s deadliest mass shooting, which unfolded at Campus Risbergska, an adult education center in Orebro, about 200 kilometers (125 miles) west of Stockholm. At least 10 people, including the gunman, were killed, and authorities warn the death toll could rise as investigations continue.
The attack, which Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson described as “the worst mass shooting in Swedish history,” has left the nation grappling with unanswered questions, including the motive behind the tragedy and the final number of casualties. With Sweden historically untouched by school shootings, the incident has sent shockwaves throughout the country and across Europe, sparking debates on security, gun control, and Sweden’s changing crime landscape.
As law enforcement and forensic teams examine the crime scene, survivors and families of the victims are left grieving and searching for answers in what should have been an ordinary day at school.
The Tragedy Unfolds: A Quiet School Day Turns Deadly
The attack occurred just after 12:30 p.m. local time (1130 GMT), at a time when many students had already left the school after completing a national exam. Witnesses described a sudden eruption of gunfire, followed by panic and chaos as students and teachers fled for safety.
“We heard three bangs and loud screams,” said 28-year-old Andreas Sundling, who was inside the school at the time of the attack. “I barricaded myself in a classroom.”
Teacher Lena Warenmark told SVT News that she heard at least 10 gunshots and that the school had fewer students than usual due to the exam schedule.
Police quickly arrived at the scene, securing the area with emergency vehicles, ambulances, and helicopters hovering above the school. Officers searched nearby buildings to ensure there were no additional threats, while paramedics worked to treat the wounded.
Who Was the Shooter? What Was the Motive?
Authorities confirmed that the gunman acted alone and was among those killed. His identity has not been publicly released, and police say he was not previously known to law enforcement.
Swedish police have not yet determined a motive, but they have not found any evidence linking the attack to terrorism. However, officials remain cautious, stating that all possible explanations are being investigated.
“We all want to understand why this happened,” Prime Minister Kristersson said. “We must wait for those answers.”
Following the shooting, police raided the suspect’s home, though it is unclear what was found. Authorities are now reviewing digital records, social media activity, and any potential warning signs that could explain the attacker’s actions.
Mass Shootings in Sweden: A Rare Occurrence
While Sweden has seen an increase in gang-related gun violence in recent years, mass shootings, especially in schools, are extremely rare. Previous school attacks in Sweden have involved knives or axes, making this gun-related massacre an unprecedented event.
Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer admitted that while Swedes have become aware of violence in other parts of the world, many never believed such an attack could happen in their own country.
“This is an event that shakes our entire society to its core,” Strömmer said.
The rise in violent crime has already led Sweden to tighten firearm regulations, but this attack could fuel further debate on gun control and school security measures.
Sweden and Europe React
The tragedy has sparked reactions from across Sweden and Europe, with leaders expressing shock, grief, and solidarity.
“What happened today in Örebro is truly horrifying,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. “Such violence and terror have no place in our societies—least of all in schools.”
King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden also expressed condolences, praising emergency responders for their swift action.
“It is with sadness and dismay that my family and I have received the information about the terrible atrocity in Örebro,” the monarch said. “We send our condolences tonight to the families and friends of the deceased.”
Meanwhile, Swedish police urged the public not to speculate about the attacker’s motive until authorities complete their investigation.
The Crime Scene: A Devastating Aftermath
The scale of destruction at Campus Risbergska has made it difficult for investigators to quickly determine the final death toll. Local police chief Roberto Eid Forest described the crime scene as “severely damaged”, making it challenging to assess the exact number of victims and wounded.
“We are doing everything we can to gather information,” Eid Forest told reporters.
Police are also working to identify the deceased, with families desperately awaiting confirmation about their loved ones.
How Did the Attack End?
Authorities have not provided specific details on how the gunman died, but officials believe he was killed during the shooting. It remains unclear whether he took his own life or was shot by police.
Following the incident, officers raided the suspect’s home, though details of what was recovered have not been disclosed. The police have confirmed that the attacker did not leave behind any warning signs before carrying out the massacre.
A Community in Mourning
For Orebro, a city known for its universities and peaceful neighborhoods, the attack has left residents in shock and mourning. The victims’ families, survivors, and the broader community are struggling to process what happened, as Sweden reckons with an event unlike anything it has seen before.
“Today, we have witnessed brutal, deadly violence against completely innocent people,” Kristersson said.
Authorities are now focused on supporting victims’ families and ensuring the safety of students and teachers at Campus Risbergska and other schools in Sweden.
What Happens Next?
With investigations still ongoing, authorities are working to:
- Confirm the final number of casualties
- Determine the shooter’s identity and background
- Uncover a possible motive
- Examine security footage and digital records
- Assess Sweden’s future response to mass shootings
The attack has reignited conversations about Sweden’s gun laws, school security, and the growing presence of violent crime.
While the nation awaits more details, the victims and their families remain at the center of Sweden’s collective grief.
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