- Gunman kills 10 at Campus Risbergska in Örebro, then takes his own life.
- Attack occurred on February 4, 2025, shortly after national exams.
- Police confirm the shooter acted alone; his motive remains unknown.
- Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson calls it Sweden’s deadliest mass shooting.
- Investigation ongoing; authorities find no links to terrorism or gang activity.
On February 4, 2025, a horrific mass shooting took place at Campus Risbergska, an adult education center in Örebro, Sweden. The attack, which happened in the early afternoon, left 11 people dead, including the gunman.
This incident has been confirmed as the worst mass shooting in Sweden’s history. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson addressed the nation, expressing deep sorrow and emphasizing that the tragedy was “a very painful day for all of Sweden.”
Where and When Did the Attack Happen?
The shooting occurred at Campus Risbergska, a school located in Örebro, about 200 km (124 miles) west of Stockholm. The institution provides primary and secondary education for adults, including vocational training and Swedish-language courses for immigrants.
The attack took place shortly after noon, just after many students had left following a national exam. The shooter entered the school armed, opening fire without warning.
Eyewitnesses Describe Chaos and Fear
Students and teachers inside the building described a terrifying scene. Lena Warenmark, a teacher, recalled hearing around 10 gunshots near her classroom. Another witness, Marwa, was in the hallway when the attack started.
“A guy next to me was shot in the shoulder. He was bleeding a lot. Behind me, I saw three people on the floor, bleeding.” – Marwa told TV4 Sweden.
She and a friend tried to stop the bleeding by wrapping a shawl around a victim’s wound before help arrived.
Ali el Mokad, a relative of a student at the school, described waiting outside a hospital for updates.
“She fell to the ground crying. She saw blood everywhere, people lying on the floor.” – Mokad told Reuters.
Gunman Acted Alone – But Why?
Police confirmed that the shooter was among the deceased and had acted alone. However, authorities have not yet determined his motive.
The suspect’s home was searched following the attack, but police have not revealed what they found. While rumors spread about possible motives, investigators have ruled out terrorism and ideological extremism at this point.
Örebro police chief Roberto Eid Forest urged people to avoid speculation until official details are confirmed.
“We don’t want members of the public to spread unverified information.”
Emergency Response and Hospital Updates
The response was immediate. Emergency services, including police, paramedics, and special forces, arrived within minutes of the first reports.
Hospitals in Örebro County were put on high alert, clearing emergency rooms and intensive care units to treat the wounded.
- Örebro University Hospital reported treating five gunshot victims, some with severe injuries.
- A sixth person sustained non-gunshot injuries but was treated for minor wounds.
- Authorities confirmed that no children were among the victims.
Nation in Mourning as Leaders Speak Out
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson addressed the nation on Tuesday evening, calling the shooting a “nightmare that no one should experience.”
“This is the worst mass shooting in Swedish history. Many questions remain unanswered. Let us not speculate.”
Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer also expressed his condolences, stating that such an event “shakes our entire society to its core.”
Despite the tragedy, he assured the public that schools across Sweden would be safe to return to the following day.
Sweden’s History of School Violence
Unlike the United States and some European countries, Sweden has very few incidents of school shootings. However, there have been several knife and axe attacks in recent years.
- October 2021: A 19-year-old student killed two teachers at a school in Malmö.
- March 2022: A teacher was stabbed to death by a student in Kristianstad.
- August 2023: A man attacked a school in Gothenburg, injuring several people.
This latest attack, however, is the first large-scale shooting in an educational institution.
Community and Crisis Support
In the wake of the tragedy, the local government has set up crisis centers to support students, teachers, and families. Grief counselors and psychologists are offering help to those affected.
The Örebro community has come together, with many lighting candles outside the school in honor of the victims. Memorial services are being planned across the country.
Investigation Continues as Sweden Demands Answers
Authorities are still piecing together details of the attack, including how the shooter obtained his weapon. Sweden has strict gun laws, making this attack even more shocking to many citizens.
As the investigation unfolds, officials are also examining possible security improvements for educational institutions.
With a nation in mourning, Sweden is left searching for answers—and hoping for change.
Grief, Questions, and Resolve
The mass shooting at Campus Risbergska in Örebro has left Sweden in shock. As investigators work to uncover the shooter’s motive, the nation mourns the 11 lives lost in this unprecedented tragedy.
While Swedish authorities reassure citizens that schools remain safe, many are left wondering how such an attack could happen—and how to prevent another.
The coming weeks will bring more answers, but for now, Sweden is united in grief, support, and resilience.