At least 10 people were killed in a mass shooting at an adult education center in Orebro, Sweden.
The attack, described as the deadliest in Sweden’s history, occurred at Risbergska School with police stating the gunman was believed to be among the deceased.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and King Carl XVI Gustaf expressed condolences, while the incident raised concerns over Sweden’s rising gang violence.
At least 10 people have been killed in a mass shooting at an adult education centre in Orebro, western Sweden, in what the prime minister has called the deadliest shooting in the country’s history.
The shooting occurred at the Risbergska School around 12:33pm local time (11:33 GMT) on Tuesday. Police initially reported that at least five people had been shot, but later confirmed that the death toll had risen to approximately 10, though they were unable to provide an exact number. The identities of the victims have not yet been released.
Local police chief Roberto Eid Forest stated, “We know that 10 or so people have been killed here today. The reason we can’t be more precise is that the incident is so large.”
Five victims were admitted to Orebro University Hospital, with one suffering light injuries, while four underwent surgery. Two of the injured were stable, though one remained in critical condition.
Authorities believe the attacker is among the deceased, and they have indicated that no further attacks are expected. While the motive remains unclear, there is no indication of any link to terrorism. Police confirmed that the gunman acted alone and had not been previously known to them.
Maria Pegado, 54, a teacher at the school, described how a person burst into her classroom just after lunch break, urging everyone to flee. She and her students ran for safety, hearing gunshots as they escaped.
Andreas Sundling, 28, who sheltered in a classroom, recounted hearing three gunshots followed by screams before waiting to be evacuated.
Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expressed his sorrow, stating, “My thoughts are with those who have been affected and their relatives. Being confined to a classroom with fear for your own life is a nightmare no one should have to experience.” He later called the attack “the worst mass shooting in Swedish history.”
King Carl XVI Gustaf also expressed his condolences, offering support to the victims and their families.
The attack took place in a region 200km west of Stockholm. While Sweden has been grappling with a rise in gang violence, school shootings are rare in the country. Previous incidents of deadly school violence include attacks in Malmo, Kristianstad, and Trollhattan.