In a devastating incident on February 4, 2025, a mass shooting at Campus Risbergska, an adult education center in Örebro, resulted in the deaths of eleven individuals, including the suspected gunman. This tragedy marks the deadliest mass shooting in Sweden’s history.
The attack commenced around 12:33 PM local time, with reports of gunfire echoing through the corridors. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as students and staff sought safety. Maria Pegado, a teacher at the school, recounted hearing the shots and leading her 15 students to safety through the hallways, as noted by the BBC. Another teacher, Lena Warenmark, noted that fewer students were present due to a national exam earlier in the day.
The suspected shooter, a man in his mid-30s, was not previously known to law enforcement and held a firearms license. Authorities believe he acted alone and have ruled out terrorism and gang-related motives. The investigation is ongoing, with police examining potential motives behind the attack.
Swedish police warned on Wednesday that misinformation was circulating on social media regarding the attack.”We want to be clear that based on investigative and intelligence information at present, there is no information pointing to the culprit acting on ideological motives,” police stated in a brief announcement on their website, as reported by AOL.
In response to the shooting, nearby schools were placed on lockdown, and the public was advised to avoid the area. Emergency services from neighboring counties, including Södermanland and Västmanland, dispatched ambulances to assist, while Värmland provided additional police reinforcements. At least six individuals were transported to Örebro University Hospital, five of whom suffered gunshot wounds.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson condemned the attack in Örebro, a city located about 125 miles (200km) west of Stockholm, calling it a “terrible act of violence” on a “very painful day for all of Sweden,” as reported by The Guardian. He emphasized that the government was in close communication with law enforcement as the operation remained ongoing.“My thoughts are [also] with all of those whose normal school day was turned into fear. Being locked up in a classroom fearing for your life is a nightmare no one should have to experience,” Kristersson said.
He urged the public to allow police the time and focus necessary to conduct their investigation. “Police should be allowed the peace of mind they need to investigate what happened and how these horrific crimes could have occurred.” Describing the tragedy as “the worst mass shooting in Swedish history,” Kristersson called on people to avoid speculation regarding the attacker’s motive.
King Carl XVI Gustaf also conveyed his condolences, stating “It is with deep sadness and dismay that my family and I received the news about the terrible atrocity in Örebro. Tonight we send our condolences to the families and friends of the deceased. Our thoughts at this moment also go to the injured and their relatives as well as others affected.” He added his “appreciation” to the emergency services “who worked intensively to save and secure human lives on this dark day,” as reported by CNN.
Campus Risbergska serves approximately 2,000 adult students, offering courses at the gymnasium level and Swedish language instruction for immigrants. The institution shares its campus with several other educational facilities.
This tragic event has deeply affected the Örebro community and the nation at large, prompting reflections on previous school-related attacks in Sweden. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, seeking to understand the factors that led to this unprecedented act of violence.
