Swedish shooting at adult education center leaves 10 dead
Swedish police continue investigating the shooting at an adult education center in Örebro, 200 km west of Stockholm, as reported by the BBC. The attack left at least 10 people dead, including the suspected assailant.
How did the attack unfold?
The shooting occurred on Tuesday around 1:00 PM at Komvux, an adult education center. Witnesses said they heard gunshots and tried to take cover. Videos shared on social media show students ducking under desks while others ran out of the building.
In response to the attack, authorities placed six nearby schools on lockdown and advised residents to stay inside.
Who is the attacker?
Though the police have not officially revealed the identity of the attacker, Swedish media, including public broadcaster SVT, report that he was a 35-year-old man named Rickard Andersson.
Local media describe him as a loner who lived nearby and legally owned guns. He had no criminal record and had not reported any income in recent years.
According to police, the man acted alone and likely took his own life at the end of the attack. Authorities are currently ruling out terrorism but continue investigating his motives.
Victims of the attack
Police confirmed that all 10 victims were found inside the school. Though their identities have not been disclosed, witnesses said the number of students present at the school was lower than usual on the day of the attack, as many had left after taking their exams.
While school shootings are rare in Sweden, the country has one of the highest gun death rates in Europe. In 2024, at least 40 people died in shooting incidents.
Swedish authorities attribute the rise in gun violence to economic inequality, issues with immigrant integration, and the drug trade. Additionally, Sweden is one of the countries with the highest rates of burglary and home invasions in Europe.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
