A tragic mass shooting at Risbergska school in Örebro, Sweden, has left around 10 people dead, including the suspected gunman, in what has been described as the deadliest school shooting in Swedish history.
The incident, which took place on Tuesday, has sent shockwaves across the nation, with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expressing his deep sorrow over the devastating event.
The Swedish police are currently investigating the attack, with authorities stating that the perpetrator was not previously known to them, and no immediate motive has been identified.
Shooting at Risbergska School in Sweden
The shooting unfolded on Tuesday at Risbergska school, an adult education center located in Örebro, approximately 200 kilometers west of Stockholm. Police received reports of gunfire at around 12:33 local time, and emergency services swiftly responded to the scene.
The school, which is part of a larger educational campus that includes multiple institutions, caters primarily to individuals who have not completed primary or secondary education.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic and terrifying situation. Teacher Lena Warenmark, who was present during the shooting, recounted hearing around 10 gunshots near her study area. Students and staff were forced to take cover as panic spread throughout the building.
One student, identified only as Marwa, described a horrifying moment where she and another individual attempted to stop the bleeding of a victim who had been shot in the shoulder. “There were three people lying on the floor, bleeding,” she recalled.
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Police initially reported that five people had been shot, and the incident was being investigated as attempted murder, arson, and an aggravated weapons offense. However, as the situation developed, authorities confirmed that the death toll had risen to around 10.
This is Sweden now.
— PeterSweden (@PeterSweden7) February 4, 2025
Mass shooting at a school has left around 10 people dead.
The gunman opened fire with an automatic weapon.
Here are students hiding for their lives.
This never used to happen before.pic.twitter.com/3zQQW8v6t1
Several injured individuals were transported to Örebro University Hospital for emergency treatment, with at least four victims undergoing surgery. The hospital reported treating five people with gunshot wounds, while a sixth person sustained minor injuries not caused by a firearm.
Investigation and Response from Authorities
As news of the shooting spread, Swedish authorities moved quickly to assess the situation. Police confirmed that the suspected gunman was among the deceased, and they currently believe he acted alone. Although no clear motive has been identified, investigators are working to determine whether there were any warning signs leading up to the attack.
Despite initial fears that the attack might be linked to terrorism, police have stated that there is no evidence suggesting a terrorist motive. However, given the scale of the tragedy, law enforcement agencies are conducting a thorough investigation to uncover any possible connections or motivations.
The justice minister, Gunnar Strommer, expressed his condolences to the victims and their families, calling the event an unprecedented tragedy for Sweden.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson addressed the nation in a press conference, describing the attack as the worst mass shooting in Sweden’s history. He emphasized the importance of allowing police to carry out their investigation without interference and reassured the public that there was no ongoing threat to schools or the broader community.
“Being confined to a classroom with fear for your own life is a nightmare that no one should have to experience,” Kristersson said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). Security measures were immediately implemented across Örebro, with students in nearby schools being kept indoors for safety reasons.
Local authorities urged the public to avoid the area surrounding the campus as police worked to secure the scene and gather evidence. Meanwhile, hospitals in the region prepared for an influx of patients, clearing emergency rooms and intensive care units to accommodate the wounded.
Shock and Grief: Reactions from the Community and the Nation
The attack has left the community of Örebro in deep shock, with families and friends of the victims grappling with the immense loss. Many relatives anxiously awaited news about their loved ones at local hospitals, hoping for updates on their conditions.
Ali el Mokad, a relative of one of the students present during the shooting, expressed his distress, saying, “It doesn’t feel very good actually.” He recounted how his cousin’s friend had been overwhelmed with grief upon witnessing the aftermath of the shooting. “She saw people lying on the floor, injured and blood everywhere,” he said.
As Sweden mourns this devastating tragedy, questions are being raised about school security and gun violence in the country. Sweden has traditionally been known for its strict gun laws and relatively low incidence of mass shootings. However, this incident has reignited discussions on whether additional measures are needed to prevent similar attacks in the future.
For those affected by the tragedy, the coming days and weeks will be a time of mourning and reflection. Swedish officials have promised to provide support for victims and their families, while also ensuring that schools remain safe spaces for students and educators. The government has also pledged to review current security protocols to identify any potential areas for improvement.
Prime Minister Kristersson’s words echoed the sentiments of many Swedes: “Today is a very painful day for all in Sweden.” As the nation struggles to come to terms with the senseless loss of life, the focus remains on healing and ensuring that such a tragedy never happens again.