At least five people have been injured in a shooting at a school in Örebro, Sweden, following reports of automatic weapon fire. A major police operation was launched in response.
The shooting occurred at Risbergska School in the Västhaga district at around 1 pm local time on Tuesday, February 4. Lena Warenmark, a teacher at the school, told Swedish broadcaster SVT, “We heard gunshots very close to our study. There were probably ten shots.”
Numerous police vehicles and ambulances rushed to the scene, with officers establishing a perimeter around the school. Armed police were seen approaching the building with their weapons drawn.
Inside the school, a photo published by Swedish media showed a person lying on the classroom floor beside overturned chairs that had been used to barricade the door.
Five people have been confirmed injured, according to a statement from Örebro police, with reports indicating that at least one individual was taken to the hospital. “This is currently being treated as attempted murder, arson, and aggravated weapons offense,” the statement said.
Authorities have expressed concerns that the casualty count may rise, as local hospitals in Örebro have been clearing their emergency rooms and intensive care units to accommodate victims. Witness Magnus Håkansson told Expressen, “I heard bangs and then came out shortly afterward. The police ordered me to lie down at the scene. I saw a lot of blood.”
A parent of one of the students expressed distress, saying, “I am shaken and easily moved to tears now, but my daughter writes to me that she is praying to God that everything will be okay.”
There are unconfirmed reports that the shooter may have turned the weapon on themselves, but police have yet to verify this, emphasizing that the danger is not over. “The public MUST continue to stay away from Västhaga,” police urged.
Authorities in Örebro, located about 200 kilometers west of Stockholm, issued a warning for the public to avoid the area as they continue to search for the shooter. “The operation concerns threats of deadly violence. The operation is still ongoing,” police said in a statement.
A press conference is expected at 3:30 pm local time.
Students have been sheltered in nearby buildings, and other parts of the school have been evacuated. Risbergska School, which serves students over the age of 20, offers various educational programs, including Swedish classes for immigrants, vocational training, and courses for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The school is located near other educational institutions.
Åke Johansson, the principal of nearby Karolinska High School, said staff and students are sheltering in place. “We try to avoid staying downstairs and away from glass and visibility, and that’s how it looks at most schools in Örebro now. We have many students who are worried and thoughtful about what’s happening.”
Åsa Svennebäck, a health and medical communications officer in the Örebro region, confirmed that injured individuals are being brought to the emergency room, though she could not provide details on their condition.
Sweden’s Minister of Justice, Gunnar Strömmer, called the information about the violent events in Örebro “very serious.” “The police are on site and the operation is in full swing,” he said. “The government is in close contact with the police and is following developments closely.”
The shooting has prompted an outpouring of support from Swedish political leaders. Green Party spokesman Daniel Helldén said, “It is terrible what we are hearing from Örebro. My thoughts go out to everyone who is affected: students, staff, and relatives. It is unacceptable that this is happening and that the violence is spreading more and more.”
Social Democrat Teresa Carvalho expressed concern, saying, “I am following with horror what is happening in Örebro. Thinking of all those affected and worried about their relatives.”
