Eleven people were killed in a mass shooting at Risbergska School in Örebro, Sweden, in what Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson described as the “worst mass shooting in Swedish history.”
On Tuesday, February 4, a gunman opened fire inside the school, located about 125 miles west of Stockholm. The suspect, believed to be among the dead, was not previously known to police and had no suspected links to gangs or terrorism, according to Örebro police chief Roberto Eid Forest.
Authorities are continuing to search for other potential victims at the school, an adult education center attended by students who have not completed primary or secondary school.
The attack left several others injured, with at least four people undergoing operations. Örebro University Hospital confirmed treating five gunshot victims, while a sixth individual sustained minor injuries unrelated to gunfire.
Police initially reported five victims but later revised the death toll to “around 10,” before confirming 11 fatalities. Investigators do not believe the attack was terror-related. The incident is being probed as attempted murder, arson, and an aggravated weapons offense.
Authorities responded to reports of gunfire at 12:33 Sweden time . Nearby schools were placed on lockdown, and residents were urged to avoid the area.
At a press conference Tuesday evening, Prime Minister Kristersson expressed his shock, stating, “It is difficult to take in the magnitude of what has happened today.” Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer reassured the public that schools would be safe to reopen on Wednesday.
Hospitals in the region prepared for an influx of patients, clearing emergency and intensive care units. The Örebro County municipality confirmed that no children were among those receiving medical treatment.
The tragedy marks a dark chapter in Sweden’s history, prompting national mourning and raising concerns over security in public institutions. Authorities continue their investigation into the attacker’s motives.
