On Tuesday afternoon, a tragic mass shooting occurred at the Risbergska adult educational center in Örebro, Sweden, resulting in the deaths of eleven individuals, including the shooter. This incident marks the deadliest school shooting in Sweden’s history, sending shockwaves through the community and the nation.
The attack unfolded around 12:33 PM local time when the unidentified gunman entered the campus, which serves adult learners, and began firing. Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots, prompting teachers and students to lock doors and seek shelter. Hellen Werme, a nursing student at the school, recounted the panic that ensued when shots rang out, with her teacher instructing everyone to hide.
Local police responded swiftly to the scene, but upon their arrival, they were met with gunfire, although no officers were injured. The suspect was later found dead at the scene, with indications suggesting he may have taken his own life. Authorities have stated that the shooter acted alone and had no known connections to any gangs or terrorist organizations, leading them to believe there was no ideological motive behind the attack.
Details about the shooter have emerged, with family members describing him as a reclusive individual who had not maintained close contact with relatives in recent years. He had legally owned a firearm, reportedly an automatic weapon, which he used during the assault. Investigators have confirmed that he had no prior criminal convictions and had not reported any income in recent years.
The shooting left several others injured, with health authorities reporting that three women and two men were in stable but critical condition following surgery for gunshot wounds. The victims, many of whom have not yet been identified, were being confirmed through fingerprints and DNA analysis.
The Risbergska center, part of a larger campus that also serves younger students, provides education for adults seeking to complete their primary or secondary schooling. On the day of the attack, the school had fewer students present than usual, as many had left after taking a national exam.
In the aftermath of the shooting, local authorities have offered support to the community, with places like Haga Church and Örebro Mosque opening their doors for those seeking solace. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson condemned the violence, labeling it a national tragedy and emphasizing the need for unity in the face of such senseless acts.
School shootings are exceedingly rare in Sweden, with this incident being unprecedented in scale. The last notable shooting incident occurred in September 2022, when a 15-year-old was suspected of wounding a classmate, an event linked to gang violence rather than a mass shooting scenario.
As the investigation continues, the community and the nation mourn the loss of life and grapple with the implications of this devastating event.