Mass shooting in Sweden leaves 11 dead, several injured

A school shooting at Risbergska School in Örebro has left several people dead and others injured, prompting a large-scale police operation and lockdowns of nearby schools and restaurants

By Thomas Brooke
3 Min Read

A mass shooting at Risbergska School in the Swedish city of Örebro has left 11 people dead and several others injured, police have confirmed.

Authorities have confirmed that an adult male suspect, who is also wounded, is in custody. The shooting, which occurred shortly after 12:30 p.m., prompted a large-scale police response and multiple lockdowns across the city.

“A major effort is currently underway at a school in Västhaga, Örebro. Five people have been shot dead,” an update on the local police website read. Later reports confirmed the death toll to be 11.

“The public is encouraged to stay away from the Västhaga area, or stay indoors in their home, or leave the other way. Listen to the police at the scene. The effort concerns threats of deadly violence,” it added.

Reports from the scene describe chaos as students and teachers sought shelter with many hiding under their desks. A person who knows a teacher at the school shared a text message with Aftonbladet that read, “They are shooting with automatic weapons at school and we have taken shelter in a room. I love you.”

A police press conference on Tuesday afternoon confirmed that five injured victims have been admitted to Örebro University Hospital. Four have undergone surgery, while two remain stable. One person is in serious condition, while another has sustained minor injuries.

One of the injured is believed to be the suspected perpetrator, although conflicting reports suggest he died by suicide. Authorities described him as an adult male but no further description or information about the perpetrator or the victims has been made available.

Police spokesman Lars Hedelin stated, “It is still an ongoing effort.” Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional perpetrators, and investigations are ongoing.

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expressed his condolences, stating, “It is with sadness that I have received information about the terrible act of violence in Örebro. My thoughts are with those affected and their families. Today is a painful day for all of Sweden.”

“The effort is still ongoing, and it is important that the public follows police instructions,” Kristersson added.

“The information on violence in Örebro is very serious. The police are in place and the operation is in full swing. The government is in close contact with the police,” added Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer.

Authorities have established two crisis support centers for those in need of emotional and psychological assistance. “We are providing all the support we can at this stage,” said a spokesperson for the municipality.

Six schools and a nearby restaurant have been placed on lockdown as a precaution.

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