Mass shooting at Swedish school leaves 11 including gunman dead

In a tragic event described as the worst mass shooting in Swedish history, eleven people were killed in a shooting at Risbergska school in Örebro, central Sweden. Among the dead is the suspected gunman, who police believe acted alone. While the motive remains unclear, authorities have ruled out any ideological links to the attack.

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson addressed the nation on Tuesday evening, calling the attack a “painful day for all in Sweden.” Speaking at a news conference, he acknowledged the gravity of the situation, saying, “It is difficult to take in the magnitude of what has happened today.” He urged the public to allow the police to carry out their investigations and assured that there was no further threat to school safety.

The shooting prompted an immediate lockdown of several schools in the area as authorities worked to secure the scene. Örebro police chief Roberto Eid Forest warned residents to stay away from the school as emergency services responded. Nearby hospitals braced for an influx of victims, clearing emergency rooms to make space for those wounded in the attack. Örebro University Hospital reported treating five people for gunshot wounds, while a sixth person with minor injuries received treatment, though no children were among the injured.

Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer, who appeared alongside the prime minister, extended his condolences to those affected and sought to reassure citizens about school safety. “I have never seen a school shooting of this magnitude,” he said, emphasizing that authorities were working to restore a sense of security.

Eyewitnesses described the terrifying moments as the attack unfolded. Teacher Lena Warenmark, who was inside the school, reported hearing around ten gunshots near her classroom. Marwa, a student present during the incident, recalled trying to help a wounded person alongside others.

A man next to her had been shot in the shoulder and was losing a significant amount of blood. Looking around, she saw multiple people lying on the floor, visibly injured. In an attempt to slow the bleeding, she and a friend used a shawl to wrap around the injured man’s shoulder. The shock and panic among those present were overwhelming.

Outside a local hospital, Ali el Mokad anxiously awaited news about his relative, who had been at the school during the attack. He described the distress and fear experienced by those affected, recounting how his cousin’s friend had collapsed in tears after witnessing the horrifying scene inside. The friend had seen people lying on the floor, severely injured, with blood covering the area, struggling to comprehend the magnitude of the violence.

Authorities are still investigating the attack, but no additional details about the shooter’s identity or possible motive have been released. Prime Minister Kristersson later addressed the incident on social media, highlighting the fear and trauma experienced by students during the attack. He stressed the importance of ensuring school safety and assured parents and students that returning to classes the next day would not pose any risk.

As Sweden mourns the victims of this devastating tragedy, law enforcement remains focused on understanding the circumstances leading up to the attack. The government has pledged full support to the affected families and the broader community as they grapple with the trauma of this unprecedented school shooting.