Örebro, Sweden — A devastating attack at an adult education center in Örebro on Tuesday claimed the lives of at least 10 individuals, including the gunman, in what is being called Sweden’s worst mass shooting. The violence unfolded at Campus Risbergska, which serves students over 20, about 125 miles west of Stockholm. As the community reels from the tragedy, the investigation into the incident and the exact number of casualties continues.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, deeply moved by the events, referred to the shooting as an “unprecedented tragedy” that has profoundly impacted the nation. Örebro police, under the guidance of Police Chief Roberto Eid Forest, have been working tirelessly at the scene, which suffered extensive damage, complicating efforts to identify the victims.
In a rare instance of school-related gun violence in the country, the shooting has left the Swedish society shaken. Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer expressed that such an incident “shakes our entire society to its core,” highlighting the unusual nature of the attack given Sweden’s stringent gun laws and relatively low crime rates.
The European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, also spoke out against the violence, emphasizing that such acts have no place in educational settings or broader society. Investigators are still piecing together the gunman’s motives, with initial findings indicating he acted alone and had no previous criminal record. As of now, there is no evidence linking the act to terrorism.
Swedish authorities were prompt in their response, securing the suspect’s residence for investigation shortly after the ordeal. Although specific details from this search have yet to be released, officials promise a thorough examination of all facts as they emerge.
The shocking event has drawn reactions from across Scandinavia and the globe. Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf has extended his condolences to the families of the victims and acknowledged the swift action of emergency responders. Similarly, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed her solidarity with Sweden, calling it “a terrible situation.”
An eyewitness account from teacher Lena Warenmark, who reported hearing at least 10 gunshots, described the chaos during the attack. The incident occurred just after many students had departed the campus following a national examination, potentially reducing the number of casualties. Andreas Sundling, 28, recounted his harrowing experience barricading in a classroom amid the sounds of gunfire and screams, highlighting the terror felt by those on campus.
As the community struggles with grief, officials urge the public to refrain from speculation and await further details from the ongoing investigation. The tragedy has drawn attention to issues of public safety and gun control, potentially igniting a national conversation on preventive measures and the security of educational environments. The loss resonates deeply not just in Sweden but internationally, underlining the universal challenge of safeguarding citizens against such unpredictable acts of violence.