Gunman among 10 dead in 'worst mass shooting in Swedish history'

A shooting occurred at an adult education center in Sweden, resulting in approximately 10 fatalities, including the shooter. The Swedish Prime Minister has described it as the worst mass shooting in the country's history. However, the final death toll, the exact number of injured, and the motives behind the attack remained undetermined hours after the incident.

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson held a press conference following the tragedy, which took place outside of Örebro, a city located approximately 200 kilometers west of Stockholm. According to the school's website, Campus Risbergska offers courses for students over the age of 20, including elementary and high school programs, Swedish language courses for immigrants, vocational training, and programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Kristersson told reporters in Stockholm: "Today, we have witnessed cruel and deadly violence directed at completely innocent people. This is the worst mass shooting in Swedish history. Many questions remain unanswered, and I cannot provide those answers. But one day we will know what happened, how it happened, and what possible motives lay behind it. Let us refrain from speculation."

Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer called the shooting "an event that shakes our entire society." Strömmer stated that while Swedes see reports of such violence elsewhere, the country previously believed that such things would not happen to them. He said that past tragedies at Swedish schools were far less severe than this attack, calling it "indescribable grief" for the community.

The shooting also shook Europe, with officials in Brussels expressing outrage. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote on social media: "What happened in Örebro today is truly shocking. Such violence and terror have no place in our society, especially not in schools. We stand with the people of Sweden in this dark moment."

Local Police Chief Roberto Eid Forest said that the extent of the damage at the crime scene was so severe that investigators could not determine a more precise death toll. Police stated that the number of fatalities could still rise. Eid Forest told reporters that the suspected shooter was among the dead. Police believe that the perpetrator acted alone and was not previously known to the police, officials said. Authorities stated that no links to terrorism have been found at this time, but police did not provide a motive.

Kristersson stated: "Of course, we all want to understand why this happened, what happened, and what possible motives the perpetrator may have had. We will have to wait for those answers—in due course, the situation will become clearer." Police searched the suspect's residence following the shooting on Tuesday, but it is currently unclear what they found. Eid Forest said that there were no warning signs prior to the attack. Authorities are working to confirm the identities of the deceased.

Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf praised the police, rescue, and medical personnel who responded to the shooting and offered condolences to the families of the victims. The King said in a statement: "My family and I have received the news of the terrible violence in Örebro with sadness and dismay. We send our condolences tonight to the families and friends of those who died. At this moment, our thoughts are also with the injured and their relatives, as well as others affected."

The shooting occurred after many students had finished taking national exams and were heading home. Police cars and ambulances with flashing lights covered the parking lot and streets around the school, and a helicopter circled overhead. Teacher Lina Wallenmark told Swedish Television News that there were unusually few students on campus after the exam on Tuesday afternoon. She also told the broadcaster that she may have heard 10 gunshots. Students took refuge in nearby buildings. Other parts of the school were evacuated after the shooting, which began around 12:30 p.m. local time (1130 GMT). Andreas Sandlin, 28, was among those forced to barricade himself inside the school. He told the Expressen newspaper while sheltering in a classroom: "We heard three loud bangs and loud screams."