Synopsis
A recent mass shooting at Risbergska Skolan in Orebro, Sweden, has resulted in the deaths of 11 individuals. The tragic event marks the deadliest school shooting in the nation's history, prompting calls for a thorough investigation and support for the victims' families.Key Takeaways
- 11 fatalities reported in Orebro school shooting.
- Prime Minister labels it the deadliest in Sweden's history.
- Investigation underway, suspect believed to have acted alone.
- No indication of terrorism; motive remains unclear.
- Public urged to avoid speculation during the investigation.
Helsinki, Feb 5 (NationPress) Swedish officials have reported that 11 individuals lost their lives in a tragic mass shooting at a school in Orebro, which the country’s prime minister has labeled as the most lethal shooting incident in Sweden's history.
The shooting at Risbergska Skolan, located in central Sweden, is deemed the worst of its kind, according to Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson during a press briefing late Tuesday.
Swedish police confirmed on Tuesday evening that around ten people were killed during the event, which occurred around noon at the educational facility. Notably, the shooter is believed to be among the deceased, according to police reports.
While investigations and further searches are underway, authorities have indicated that the precise number of victims remains uncertain. However, preliminary findings suggest that the suspect acted alone, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
The police have stated that the motive behind the attack is unknown but do not consider it an act of terrorism, adding that they had received no warning signs prior to the incident.
Kristersson urged citizens to avoid speculation, stressing the need for authorities to have the necessary time to carry out their investigation.
“The Swedish public is eager for answers, but will need to be patient,” stated Swedish Minister of Justice Gunnar Strommer during the press conference. “In time, we will gain clarity.”
King Carl XVI Gustaf expressed his sorrow in a statement, calling the day a “dark day” for Sweden. He conveyed his condolences to the families and friends of the victims and those injured, commending the efforts of police, rescue, and healthcare personnel.
Risbergska Skolan primarily caters to adults over the age of 20, while also providing primary and secondary education, as well as Swedish language courses for immigrants. The city of Orebro is situated approximately 200 km west of Stockholm.
In a conversation with Swedish Radio (SR), local school security expert Lena Ljungdahl noted that although armed violence within schools is exceptionally rare in Sweden, there has been a spike in violence occurring outside educational institutions, including several shootings near schools in past years.
“I anticipated this. Schools are not isolated environments. What occurs outside will inevitably find its way inside,” Ljungdahl remarked.
Mats Knutson, a political analyst for SR, emphasized that this incident occurred during a time of rising armed violence in Sweden, with the last few months seeing an unprecedented surge in explosions.
Sweden is currently facing a crisis, and it is the government's duty to bring the nation together, Knutson noted.
