A significant police operation is currently underway in Orebro, Sweden, following a shooting incident that left five individuals injured at an adult education center. Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area, located approximately 200 kilometers west of Stockholm.
The incident occurred shortly after 12:30 PM local time on Tuesday at Campus Risbergska, where several students had just completed a national exam. Eyewitness accounts describe a chaotic scene, with reports of multiple gunshots followed by screams. In total, six people were transported to Orebro University Hospital, including one individual who is critically injured. Police have not confirmed any fatalities and have not disclosed whether the injured were students or staff members.
Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, and video footage captured a substantial police presence along with various emergency vehicles. Four of the injured individuals have undergone surgery; one is in serious condition, two are stable, and one has minor injuries. Importantly, officials have clarified that none of those hospitalized are children.
Students who were sheltering in nearby buildings were evacuated as safety measures were implemented. Campus Risbergska primarily serves students over the age of 20 and offers a range of educational programs, including vocational training and Swedish language classes for immigrants.
The police have identified a male suspect in the shooting, who is believed to also be among the injured. Investigators are exploring the possibility of additional suspects and are focused on determining the motive behind the attack.
Witnesses described the terrifying moments during the shooting. One individual reported hearing "three bangs and loud screams," while another mentioned the presence of automatic gunfire. Pavel Koubak, a photographer near the scene, noted that the area has seen an increase in gun violence in recent years, suggesting that this incident is part of a troubling trend.
Authorities initially warned that the danger was not yet over, but later indicated that the immediate threat had diminished. Students and staff from several nearby schools have begun to evacuate, although police continue to advise the public to stay clear of the area while they conduct thorough searches and secure the site.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expressed his sorrow over the incident, describing it as a "very painful day" and emphasizing the terror experienced by those confined in the school. He called for support for law enforcement as they investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.
Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer characterized the reports of the shooting as "very serious," while opposition party leader Johan Pehrson, who attended the same school, referred to it as a "black day," extending his thoughts to those affected by the violence. As the investigation unfolds, the community grapples with the implications of this shocking event.