Sweden’s adult school attack leaves 10 dead in Orebro area

The shooting took place in a campus area where several schools, for both children and adults are located

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At least 10 people have been killed in a shooting at an adult education centre in Orebro, western Sweden, in what is now considered one of the deadliest attacks in the nation's history.

The mass shooting took place at the Risbergska School on Tuesday at 12:33 pm local time (11:33 GMT). Initially, police reported that at least five people had been shot, but hours later, authorities confirmed that the death toll had risen to approximately 10, though the exact number remains unverified.

Local police chief Roberto Eid Forest explained the uncertainty, stating, “We know that 10 or so people have been killed here today. The reason that we can’t be more exact currently is that the extent of the incident is so large.”

In an update from Orebro University Hospital, a spokesperson confirmed that five people were admitted, with one suffering from light injuries and four undergoing surgery. Two patients were stable after surgery, while one remained in serious condition. Authorities have stated that the gunman is believed to be among the dead, and there is no indication of terrorism involvement.

The attack, which is being treated as attempted murder, arson, and aggravated weapons offences, saw a large emergency response, with police initially advising students to remain inside and urging the public to avoid the area. Police also confirmed that the gunman acted alone and had no prior known criminal background.

Maria Pegado, a 54-year-old teacher at the school, recounted the terrifying moments during the attack. “Someone threw open the door to my classroom just after lunch break and shouted to everyone to get out,” Pegado said. “I took all my 15 students out into the hallway and we started running. Then I heard two shots but we made it out. We were close to the school entrance. I saw people dragging injured out, first one, then another. I realised it was very serious.”

Andreas Sundling, a 28-year-old who sheltered in a classroom, described hearing loud bangs and screams. “We heard three bangs and loud screams. Now, we’re sitting here waiting to be evacuated from the school,” Sundling told the Expressen newspaper.

Sweden's Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer condemned the attack, calling it “very serious,” while Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expressed his condolences on X, offering thoughts for those affected by the attack. “My thoughts are with those who have been affected and their relatives,” Kristersson wrote. “My thoughts are also with all those whose normal school day was replaced with terror. Being confined to a classroom with fear for your own life is a nightmare that no one should have to experience.”

While school shootings have been rare in Sweden, this attack follows a disturbing pattern of violent incidents in recent years. In March 2022, an 18-year-old student fatally stabbed two teachers at a high school in Malmo. Two months earlier, a 16-year-old wounded another student and a teacher at a school in Kristianstad. In October 2015, a sword-wielding attacker killed three people in a racially motivated assault at a school in Trollhattan.