(Image via aljazeera.com)
Worst Shooting in Sweden’s History Leaves Ten Dead
Staff Writer: Akshit Bagga
Email: abagga@umassd.edu
At least ten people were killed and a few injured after a gunman opened fire at an adult education center in Sweden, making it the deadliest shooting incident in the country’s history.
On February 4th at 12:33 pm local time (06:33 AM EST), a mass shooting occurred at an adult education center in the Swedish city of Örebro. An armed individual opened gunfire in the school complex, killing more than ten people and seriously wounding at least five.
The authorities found the gunman among the dead. While the shooter wasn’t immediately identified, the police recovered weapons next to the dead body. They found three guns and ten empty magazines along with large amounts of unused ammunition.
The incident took place at a school called Campus Risbergska. The campus is located on the outskirts of the Örebro town and is approximately 125 miles from the capital city of Stockholm. The school is a multi-purpose facility, offering primary and secondary education classes for adults over the age of 20, Swedish language classes to immigrants, and vocational training for people with disabilities.
On the day of shooting, many students had left early for home following a national exam. Those left behind to witness the bloodshed were forced to take shelter in nearby buildings and other parts of the school.
While the investigators have not identified the motive behind this attack, raids were conducted at the attacker’s house. The police have declined any angle of terrorism and believe that the attacker acted alone.
The Prime Minister of Sweden, Ulf Kristersson, told reporters, “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.”
Ulf added, “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.”
While the officials haven’t released any information about the deceased, they said three women and two men were among the injured. All who are injured are being treated for gunshot wounds at the Örebro University Hospital and are in stable condition.
Recalling the incident, Hellen Werme, who was fortunate to survive the shooting, said, “Those were the worst hours of my life. I did not know if I would get shot there and then, or in 10 minutes.”
Following the incident, Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer said, “the reports of violence in Örebro are very serious.” He added, “the police are on the site and the operation is in full swing.”
Gunnar called the shooting “an event that shakes our entire society to its core.” A period of mourning is being observed in Sweden, and flags have been ordered to be flown at half-staff.
People gathered outside the school to pay their tributes at a makeshift memorial. On February 5th, the king and the queen along with the prime minister visited the site of the shooting.
They told reporters, “We are here to show our grief to all the families who have their loved ones, who have people who have lost their lives.” They added, “But also, they should always remember that they are not alone. I think today the whole of Sweden will take part and stand behind them.”
While gun violence at schools is rare in Sweden, crimes are also on the rise there. People have reportedly been attacked with knives, axes, and other weapons. But there are strict rules to acquire a firearm.
To get one, an applicant must prove a purpose, apply for a weapon license, and adhere to the guidelines set for using or storing the weapon.
Recently, the Torch reported about how teenagers are being hired by Swedish gangs for contract killings.
To honor the relatives of the deceased, a minute of silence was observed at 12 noon local time on February 11th at Stortorget, Sweden.