Ten killed in school shooting in Sweden’s Orebro; suspect found dead
Members of the emergency services work at the scene of the Risbergska School, following reports of a serious violent crime in Orebro, Sweden, Feb. 4, 2025. (AFP Photo)
At least 10 people were killed on Tuesday in a tragic shooting at Campus Risbergska, an education center in Orebro, Sweden, marking the deadliest school attack in the country’s history.
“Orebro police cannot be more specific about the number, but around 10 people have been killed today,” said Orebro police chief Roberto Eid Forest during a press conference.
He also confirmed that the suspected assailant was not previously known to police.
‘Worst mass shooting’ in country’s history
Meanwhile, Sweden’s prime minister said Tuesday a shooting at an education centre in the central city of Orebro was the “worst mass shooting” in the country’s history.
“This is the worst mass shooting in Swedish history,” PM Ulf Kristersson told a press conference, saying a lot of “questions were still unanswered” as he urged people not to “speculate” about the motive.
The suspected gunman, who was also found dead, was believed to have acted alone. While some media reports suggested the gunman turned the weapon on himself, police have yet to confirm this.
Forest described the incident as “exceptional, a nightmare,” adding that a motive had not been determined. Initial reports also indicated that the suspect carried equipment to create smoke within the school, compounding the chaos.
Multiple gunshots
The shooting, which took place just after noon, triggered a massive police response. Students and teachers, fearing for their lives, sought refuge within classrooms.
Miriam Jarlevall and Patrik Soderman, two teachers at the school, recounted the horror: “Students came and said someone was shooting… We heard more shots and hid in our offices.”
Eyewitnesses reported hearing what they believed to be automatic gunfire. Swedish police later raided the suspect’s home, though few details have emerged about the individual.
Meanwhile, the attacker is also believed to have carried some form of equipment to create smoke inside the school.
It is reported that the suspect was 35 years old, held a license to carry firearms, and had no prior criminal record.
Schools on lockdown
For several hours, nearby schools were placed on lockdown as authorities secured the area. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expressed his grief on social media platform X, calling it “a very painful day for all of Sweden.” He added, “No one should ever have to endure the fear of being locked in a classroom, fearing for their life.”
As the community reels from the tragedy, local churches have opened their doors to offer support to grieving families and students.
While school shootings are relatively rare in Sweden, the country has experienced rising levels of gun violence, primarily tied to gang activity.
However, school violence has also become more frequent in recent years, with several violent incidents, including a racially-motivated sword attack in 2015 and a fatal stabbing in 2022.
Türkiye expresses deep sadnees over school attack
Meanwhile, Türkiye expresses deep sadness Tuesday over the attack at a school in Sweden, offering condolences to families of victims.
Foreign Ministry issued a written statement on the attack at a school in Sweden.
“We extend our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, as well as to the people of Sweden, and wish a speedy recovery to the injured,” the statement said.
