Eyewitness Account of Sweden’s Deadliest Mass Shooting: A Desperate Effort to Save Lives
An eyewitness recounted their experiences during the horrific mass shooting that transpired in Örebro, Sweden, marking the deadliest incident of its kind in the nation’s history. Authorities reported that the attack occurred at a school, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 10 lives, with the suspected shooter also deceased.
Roberto Eid Forest, the police chief for the district, confirmed that many individuals sustained injuries when the armed assailant opened fire within the adult education facility known as Campus Risbergska. Located in central Sweden, this campus also accommodates schools for younger students.
According to police officials, the shooter had no prior connections with law enforcement or any gang affiliations, and there are no indications that the attack was motivated by ideological beliefs. The nature of the weapon used remains unspecified.
“We believe he acted alone,” Forest stated, describing the incident as “extremely tragic” and “a nightmare.” He emphasized the exceptional nature of the violence witnessed that day.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expressed his condolences to the victims and their families in a press conference, condemning the brutal violence inflicted upon innocent people. “Today we have witnessed the worst mass shooting in Swedish history,” he remarked.
Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer, who stood alongside the prime minister, labeled the event an “unspeakably sad tragedy.” The shooting unfolded around 12:30 p.m. local time, prompting immediate responses from emergency services.
Jonas Claesson, the regional healthcare director, reported that six individuals were taken to a nearby university hospital, with five suffering from gunshot wounds. Four of these patients underwent surgery, with two now in stable condition.
According to reports from CNN affiliate Expressen, there was a confrontation involving gunfire between the police and the shooter, though it remains unclear how many total injuries occurred. Fortunately, no law enforcement officers were shot during the incident.
Authorities advised the public to steer clear of the area while students from nearby schools were evacuated from the vicinity. The police later stated they were investigating multiple locations in Örebro, while continuing their work at the crime scene. Although they believe the shooter acted alone, they have not completely ruled out the possibility of other accomplices.
In a written statement, King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden expressed his sorrow upon hearing the news of the shooting. He conveyed condolences to the families of the deceased and expressed gratitude towards emergency responders for their efforts to save lives during such a dark time.
Witnesses reported hearing loud bangs and screams echoing through the school corridors. Andreas Sundling, 28, described the chaos while sheltering in a classroom: “We heard three bangs and loud screams… We’re just waiting to be evacuated.”
Campus Risbergska offers educational programs for adults, including courses for immigrants and vocational training. A teacher noted that the campus had a lower-than-usual student turnout due to many having left after completing a national exam earlier in the day.
In response to rising gun violence in recent years, Scandinavian authorities have implemented measures to combat such incidents, particularly gang-related shootings. Citing statistics, at least 40 people were reported shot dead in Sweden in 2024, with police claiming to have prevented over 100 serious crimes that same year.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Kristersson called for an investigation into how such violence could occur, stating, “It is with sadness that I have received information about the terrible act of violence in Örebro… It is a very painful day for all of Sweden.” He further expressed concern for those who experienced terror instead of a normal school day, underscoring the profound impact of the incident on the community.
