On Tuesday, a deadly shooting incident took place in the central city of Sweden, where local authorities reported that about 10 people, including the shooter, lost their lives in the shooting, though the final death toll and number of injuries are yet to be confirmed.
The shooting incident occurred at an adult education center in Örebro, a city about 200 kilometers (125 miles) west of Stockholm. Authorities stated that there are currently no indications linking the event to terrorism, but police have not provided a motive for the attack.
Roberto Eid Forest, the chief of the local police department, described the incident as “an incredibly tragic event” during a press conference. Police believe the shooter acted alone and was not known to them before. Authorities mentioned that there was an exchange of gunfire between them and the suspect during the incident, but no officers were injured.
Following the shooting on Tuesday, police conducted a raid on the suspect’s residence, but it is not yet clear what they have discovered.
According to information from the school’s website, the school where the incident took place is called Risbergska. It offers education to students above the age of 20, covering basic and high school education, Swedish language courses for immigrants, vocational training, and special education programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Reported by Swedish newspaper Expressen, sources stated that the suspect shot himself, but local police mentioned that the crisis is not yet over and advised the public to stay away from the area. Nearby schools were also evacuated.
Teacher Lena Warenmark told Swedish public broadcaster SVT that she heard about 10 gunshots near the place where she was teaching.
School shootings are extremely rare in Sweden. However, in recent years, there have been several incidents resulting in injuries or fatalities using weapons such as knives or axes.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson is scheduled to hold a press conference at 7:30 PM local time, along with Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer. Kristersson earlier expressed that this is “an extremely painful day for Sweden.”