ÖREBRO, SWEDEN – At least 10 people, including the suspected gunman, were killed in a mass shooting at an adult education center in Örebro on Tuesday, according to Swedish police. Several others were wounded, with authorities warning that the final death toll could rise as investigators assess the extensive damage at the scene.
The attack unfolded at Campus Risbergska, a school serving students over the age of 20, around 12:30 p.m. local time (1130 GMT). The shooting erupted after many students had already left for the day following a national exam.
Roberto Eid Forest, head of the local police, said the suspected shooter was among the deceased and is believed to have acted alone. The gunman was not previously known to authorities, and there is currently no indication of a terrorism link. However, officials have yet to determine a motive.
“We have no reason to believe there were other perpetrators,” Eid Forest told reporters, adding that authorities were working to confirm the identities of the victims.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as shots rang out across the campus.
“We heard three bangs and loud screams,” said Andreas Sundling, a 28-year-old student who barricaded himself inside a classroom.
Lena Warenmark, a teacher at Campus Risbergska, recounted hearing “probably 10 gunshots” as the violence unfolded.
As police swarmed the scene, students and staff sheltered in nearby buildings while other parts of the school were evacuated. Emergency vehicles flooded the surrounding area, and a helicopter circled overhead as authorities searched for potential threats.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson condemned the shooting as a national tragedy, calling it “a very painful day for all of Sweden.”
“My thoughts are also with all those whose normal school day was exchanged for terror,” Kristersson said. “Being confined to a classroom with fear for your own life is a nightmare that no one should have to experience.”
Kristersson is expected to address the nation alongside Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer at a press conference at 7:30 p.m. local time (1830 GMT).
Meanwhile, police have raided the suspect’s home, though they have not disclosed any findings. Authorities maintain that there were no warning signs before the attack.
Gun violence at schools is rare in Sweden, though the country has seen incidents involving other weapons, such as knives and axes, in recent years. The tragic events in Örebro have reignited concerns over safety and violence in educational institutions.
This is a developing story. Further updates will follow as more details emerge.
Credit: AP
