A horrific mass shooting unfolded in Orebro, Sweden, on the afternoon of April 18, 2023, marking the deadliest attack in the country’s history. Around 12.30pm local time (11.30am UK time), gunfire erupted at Campus Risbergska, an adult education centre situated approximately 200km (125 miles) west of Stockholm. The centre, which offers a variety of courses, including Swedish language classes for immigrants, vocational training, and educational programs for people with learning disabilities, became the scene of a devastating tragedy.
Swedish authorities confirmed that approximately 10 individuals were killed in the attack, with several more left injured. Police have since launched a large-scale investigation and have stated that they believe the "primary perpetrator" is deceased. Although the police currently suspect the attacker acted alone, they have not ruled out the involvement of other individuals.
"At present, the police believe that the perpetrator acted alone, but we cannot rule out more perpetrators connected to the incident," a police spokesperson noted during a press briefing.
Authorities have not disclosed the identity or the motive of the attacker but have stated they do not believe terrorism was involved. Swedish officials also confirmed that they had no prior warning of the event, which has shaken the nation.
Local police chief Roberto Eid Forest described the incident as “horrible” and “exceptional,” adding, “The operation is ongoing, and that will undoubtedly become clearer. But we are working very intensively right now.”
Sweden’s Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson, condemned the massacre, calling it the "worst mass shooting in Swedish history." During a press conference, Kristersson shared, "Today, we have witnessed brutal, deadly violence against completely innocent people. This is the worst mass shooting in Swedish history. Many questions remain unanswered, and I cannot provide those answers either. But the time will come when we will know what happened, how it could occur, and what motives may have been behind it. Let us not speculate.”
Ulf Hjalmar Kristersson - Sweden's Prime Minister
Meanwhile, Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf also expressed his horror, calling the attack a “terrible atrocity” and sending condolences to the victims’ families. He further expressed gratitude to the first responders, saying, “My family and I would like to express our great appreciation for the police, rescue and medical personnel who worked intensively to save and protect human lives on this dark day.”
Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf
The aftermath of the shooting saw at least five individuals rushed to hospital, with four undergoing surgery. One person remained critically injured, while others were in stable or light condition. Although reports initially suggested that police officers had been shot at, it was later confirmed that no officers were injured during the incident.
According to teacher Lena Warenmark, the campus had fewer students than usual that afternoon, following a national exam. "We heard probably 10 gunshots," she told SVT News. Many students sought shelter in nearby buildings, while other parts of the campus were evacuated.
The shooting at Campus Risbergska has raised questions about public safety, as fatal attacks at educational institutions in Sweden remain rare. According to the Swedish National Council for Crime Prevention, there were 10 fatalities in seven school-related incidents between 2010 and 2022.
The investigation is still ongoing, with police working diligently to uncover the facts surrounding this unprecedented tragedy. As the nation grapples with the aftermath, many are left wondering how such a horrific event could have occurred in a peaceful nation known for its low levels of violent crime.
