Sweden's Worst Mass Shooting: A Tragedy That Shook the Nation
On February 4, 2025, Sweden witnessed its worst mass shooting in history, leaving at least 10 people dead and many more injured. The tragic event took place at Campus Risbergska, a school for adult education in Örebro, located in central Sweden. The gunman, who was not known to police prior to the attack, also lost his life during the incident, which has sent shockwaves through the nation.
The shooting occurred around 12:30 p.m. local time, with the police quickly responding to the scene. As the events unfolded, it became clear that the attack was a horrifying and rare occurrence in a country that had largely been spared from such acts of violence. The perpetrator was not connected to any criminal gangs, and there is no evidence suggesting the attack was ideologically motivated, according to the authorities. However, the devastating consequences of the attack were immediate, with a number of casualties and injuries reported.
Police spokesperson Roberto Eid Forest confirmed that several people, including five victims with gunshot wounds, were rushed to the local university hospital. Four of the wounded underwent surgery, with two now in stable condition. The other injuries remain under investigation, and there are concerns about the total number of victims. Despite the severity of the attack, police officials have confirmed that no law enforcement officers were shot during the exchange of gunfire with the shooter.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson addressed the nation, offering his condolences to the victims and their families, calling the incident a "brutal, deadly violence against completely innocent people." He expressed the country's collective shock and sadness over the event. Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer echoed these sentiments, describing the tragedy as "unspeakably sad."
The school, Risbergska, caters to a range of adult students, including immigrants and individuals seeking vocational training. A teacher at the school noted that there were fewer students present at the time of the shooting, as many had already left following a national exam earlier in the day. Nonetheless, the terror experienced by those who were still on campus was unimaginable, as eyewitness accounts describe hearing gunshots followed by screams of panic and chaos. One student, Andreas Sundling, recounted how he and others took shelter in classrooms, waiting to be evacuated.
Sweden has seen an increase in gun violence in recent years, largely due to gang-related activity. In 2024, over 40 people were killed in shootings, and the country had the highest rate of gun violence per capita in the European Union. However, this mass shooting represents an unprecedented level of violence for the Scandinavian nation, which has long been associated with safety and security.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf expressed his condolences, highlighting the profound impact the event had on the nation. “We send our condolences to the families and friends of the deceased, and our thoughts are with the injured and their families,” he said in a written statement.
As authorities continue to investigate, Sweden remains in shock, grappling with the implications of the worst mass shooting in its history. The people of Sweden, alongside the families of the victims, will carry the weight of this tragedy for years to come.