Authorities report that approximately 10 individuals have lost their lives in a shooting incident at an educational facility in the city of Orebro. This marks the deadliest school shooting ever to occur in Sweden, a country where instances of school violence are rare. The suspected shooter is believed to be among the deceased. While details are still unfolding, here is what we know thus far:
What Occurred?
Police were alerted to a shooting at Orebro, a city located 200km (124 miles) west of Stockholm, at 12:33 local time on Tuesday. The incident took place at Campus Risbergska, a school for adult learners known as Komvux in Swedish, catering primarily to individuals who did not complete their primary or secondary education. Other educational institutions also operate within the campus premises. Witnesses, including teachers, reported hearing gunshots, prompting them to either evacuate classrooms or seek refuge by barricading themselves indoors. Accounts from individuals present described the chaotic scene, with injured individuals being assisted out of the building.
The Response
Law enforcement swiftly locked down surrounding schools and a nearby restaurant, advising the public to steer clear or remain indoors. Social media footage captured students taking cover under desks, while a video clip filmed from a balcony depicted the sound of rapid gunfire as people hurried to safety.
Casualties and Injuries
Authorities confirmed that “around 10” individuals lost their lives in the incident, all of whom were discovered within the school premises. Law enforcement also noted that the suspected gunman was among the deceased. While the exact number of wounded individuals remains uncertain, the justice minister mentioned during a press briefing that there were “many others injured.”
The Assailant
The perpetrator, identified as a male acting alone, was unknown to authorities before the tragic event. Law enforcement ruled out any terrorist motives, emphasizing that the individual had no prior criminal record or gang affiliations. Details about the weapon used in the attack remain undisclosed.
Victims and Investigation
Efforts to identify the deceased victims are ongoing. The school targeted in the shooting is a facility for adult education, catering to individuals over the age of 20 who did not complete traditional schooling. Authorities continue their investigation into the tragedy, seeking to shed light on the circumstances surrounding this devastating incident.
[BBC]
The day after taking a national exam, it was questioned how uncommon school shootings are in Sweden. They are indeed very rare occurrences. While there have been incidents of school shootings in Sweden in the past, they have not reached the same level of severity as the recent one. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson described the recent shooting as “the worst school shooting in Sweden’s history,” urging the public to refrain from speculating about the motive behind the tragedy. In a separate incident last September, a school shooting took place in a town south of Stockholm, where a 15-year-old suspect allegedly wounded a classmate. However, authorities linked that attack to Sweden’s ongoing issue with gang violence.
