Key Details of the Attack

On February 4, 2025, Sweden witnessed its deadliest mass shooting at Campus Risbergska, an adult education center in Örebro. The attack began at 12:33 PM local time and lasted nearly two hours, leaving 11 dead, including the shooter, and 15 injured. The school serves adults over 20, offering vocational training, immigrant education, and secondary school completion programs.

Chaos and Acts of Bravery

• Timeline: Police responded to reports of gunfire at 12:33 PM. Witnesses described an initial burst of shots, followed by a 30-minute pause before the shooter resumed firing, causing widespread panic.
• Eyewitness Accounts: Teachers and students recounted terrifying moments. Educator Maria Pegado successfully evacuated 15 students, while others barricaded classrooms or hid in nearby buildings. Student Marwa described attempting to help a wounded classmate, saying, "Everyone was in shock."
• Lower Casualties Than Feared: A national exam held earlier in the day meant fewer students were on campus, possibly preventing even greater loss of life.

Response and Investigation

• Police Action: Authorities locked down six nearby schools, evacuated the area, and secured the crime scene. A search of the suspect’s home in Örebro found no further threats.
• Medical Emergencies: Six victims required hospitalization, including five with gunshot wounds. Örebro University Hospital prioritized emergency care.
• Weapon and Motive: The shooter legally owned a firearm (type undisclosed) and had no known links to terrorism or organized crime. Authorities have not yet determined a motive.

Shooter’s Background

The suspect, a man in his mid-30s, had no criminal record and was not known to police. He acted alone and died at the scene, though it remains unclear whether he was shot by officers or took his own life. Investigators described the crime scene as "severely damaged," complicating immediate identification.

Sweden’s Gun Laws Under Scrutiny

Sweden has strict firearm regulations, requiring licenses for hunting and sport shooting. However, gun violence has been rising, with over 40 firearm-related deaths in 2024, mostly linked to gang activity. The fact that the shooter legally owned a weapon has reignited debates over gun control and potential licensing loopholes.

National and International Reactions

• Government Response: Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson called it "the worst mass shooting in Swedish history" and promised a full investigation.
• Royal Statement: King Carl XVI Gustaf expressed condolences and praised emergency responders for their swift actions.
• Global Support: Denmark’s King Frederik X and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed solidarity, with Denmark canceling planned royal celebrations in honor of the victims.

A Rare Tragedy in Sweden

School shootings are extremely rare in Sweden. Previous incidents, such as the 2022 Malmö stabbing and the 2015 Trollhättan school attack, resulted in fewer casualties and had different motives. This tragedy has intensified concerns about firearm access and mental health support.