At least 11 people were killed and several others injured in a mass shooting at Risbergska School, an adult education center in Örebro, central Sweden, on Tuesday, in what authorities called the deadliest school shooting in the country’s history.
The suspected gunman, whose identity has not been released, is believed to be among the dead. Six people were transported to Örebro University Hospital, including five with gunshot wounds. Four victims underwent surgery, and two are now in stable condition.
⚠️ WARNING: This post contains graphic descriptions of violence
At least ten people were killed in Sweden’s “worst mass shooting” at Risbergska School in Örebro’s Västhaga district on Tuesday, 4 February. The shooter, a 35-year-old man, turned the gun on himself after the… pic.twitter.com/5yvshUT1M6
— True Crime Updates (@TrueCrimeUpdat) February 5, 2025
Speaking at a press conference Tuesday evening, Roberto Eid Forest, head of Örebro’s police district confirmed that officers responded to reports of gunfire at approximately 12:30 p.m. local time (6:30 a.m. ET). Upon arrival, law enforcement encountered what they described as a chaotic scene, with multiple victims and widespread panic among students and staff.
Teacher Lena Warenmark told SVT News that she heard about 10 gunshots and that the situation quickly descended into chaos as people scrambled for safety. Police later confirmed that there had been an exchange of gunfire between the shooter and responding officers, although no police personnel were injured.
The police have yet to determine the motive of the suspect. Forest said authorities believe the suspect was a lone perpetrator as he was not previously known to authorities and had no apparent links to criminal gangs or terrorist organizations.
Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson called the shooting “the worst mass shooting in Swedish history” and extended his condolences to the victims and their families during a press conference on Tuesday. “We’ve today seen brutal, deadly violence against completely innocent people,” Kristersson said.
King Carl XVI Gustaf also expressed the same sentiment. “Our family received the news of the shooting with sadness and dismay,” the king said. “Tonight, we send our condolences to the families and friends of the deceased. Our thoughts at this moment also go to the injured and their relatives, as well as others affected.”
The king also praised the emergency services for their efforts in responding to the crisis.
While school attacks are uncommon in Sweden, the country experiences frequent gang-related shootings and bombings that claim dozens of lives annually.
In March 2022, an 18-year-old student fatally stabbed two teachers at a secondary school in Malmo. Just two months earlier, a 16-year-old was arrested for stabbing and injuring a student and a teacher at a school in Kristianstad.
