Shooter in Sweden’s Deadliest Mass Shooting Linked to Adult Education Center, Authorities Say

Örebro, Sweden, February 7, 2025 (Reuters) – The gunman responsible for Sweden’s worst mass shooting, which claimed 10 lives earlier this week, was connected to the adult education center where he opened fire, Swedish law enforcement officials revealed on Thursday.

Authorities disclosed that the shooter, who has not yet been officially identified, may have been a former student at Campus Risbergska, the school located in Örebro, approximately 200 kilometers (125 miles) west of Stockholm. The gunman, who used at least one rifle-like weapon during the attack, was later found dead at the scene. He had three firearms, 10 empty magazines, and a large amount of unused ammunition beside him. Investigators have yet to determine the cause of death, although officials confirmed that officers did not return his gunfire.

Campus Risbergska offers a variety of educational programs for adults, including primary and secondary education, Swedish-language classes for immigrants, vocational training, and special programs for people with intellectual disabilities. The shooting unfolded on Tuesday afternoon, after many students had already left the campus following a national exam.

At least five people, all over the age of 18, sustained serious gunshot wounds during the attack. Two victims remain in intensive care in serious but stable condition, while the other three are in stable condition following surgery. A sixth person sustained minor injuries. Police had to conduct a comprehensive search of the large school, covering 17,000 square meters (180,000 square feet), to ensure there were no other casualties.

Local police described the scene as a chaotic “inferno,” with officers arriving to find injured and panicked individuals fleeing the campus. “Dead people, injured people, screams and smoke,” said Lars Wirén, the local police chief, during a news conference. “Many people running inside and outside the premises.”

Despite the horrors of the attack, investigators had not yet uncovered a clear motive. Authorities stated that they believe the shooter acted alone and have found no evidence to suggest terrorism was involved. There were no prior warnings of the violence, and the police have not connected the gunman to any extremist groups.

A Community in Shock

The mass shooting has sent shockwaves through Örebro, Sweden’s seventh-largest municipality with a population of approximately 160,000. For residents, it has been two days of grief and bewilderment. “We are still asking questions of why, still wondering what has happened,” said John Johansson, chairman of the municipal board. “The outpouring of grief and togetherness has been enormous.”

Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia, along with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, visited Örebro on Wednesday to attend a memorial service. The Swedish Football Association also pledged to observe a moment of silence before all future international matches in honor of the victims.

In a country where gun violence in schools is extremely rare, the shooting has deeply impacted the national psyche. “This is not a Swedish problem, it’s a problem that we have seen throughout the world,” Johansson remarked.

The Horrifying Moments of the Attack

Survivors of the shooting described harrowing scenes as they sought shelter amidst the chaos. One woman, sheltering with her children, feared she might never see them again, while another helped staunch the bleeding of a man who had been shot in the shoulder. “Those were the worst hours of my life. I did not know if I would get shot there and then, or in 10 minutes. You simply waited,” said Hellen Werme, a 35-year-old survivor, in an interview with Expressen newspaper.

Gun Ownership and Regulation in Sweden

While gun violence in Swedish schools is extremely rare, the country has experienced other incidents involving knives and axes in recent years. Authorities have confirmed that the shooter held licenses for four firearms, three of which were found at the scene. The fourth weapon has been seized by police.

In Sweden, obtaining a firearm legally requires a detailed application process. Applicants must demonstrate a legitimate reason for ownership, such as hunting or target shooting, and provide hunting or shooting certificates. To ensure the safety of firearm owners, all weapons must be securely stored in approved cabinets. The country has strict laws regarding the possession of automatic weapons, and permits for such firearms are granted only under exceptional circumstances.

Sweden, with a population of approximately 10.5 million, had over 660,000 registered gun owners as of early 2024. However, the majority of these firearms are registered for hunting (1.6 million guns) or target shooting (176,000 guns). Authorities remain committed to maintaining stringent regulations to prevent misuse of firearms and ensure public safety.