Örebro, Sweden – A mass shooting at an adult education center in Örebro, a city about 124 miles west of Stockholm, left 10 people dead and five wounded on February 4, 2025. The assailant, identified as 35-year-old Rickard Andersson, used a hunting rifle in the attack at Campus Risbergska before committing suicide.
The first alert to police was made at 12:33 p.m. local time amidst reports of gunfire and smoke at the campus. The attack occurred shortly after several students had departed following national examinations, though many people were still present on the premises. According to authorities, Andersson deployed smoke-producing devices, complicating both the evacuation efforts and emergency response.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson quickly condemned what he described as a “barbaric” act and the deadliest shooting event in the nation’s history. Speaking from Stockholm, Kristersson disclosed that the detailed circumstances surrounding the shooting were still under investigation and called for patience from the public against undue speculation.
Campus Risbergska, known for its comprehensive adult education programs including language classes for immigrants, vocational training, and programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities, had previously been recognized by local officials as a potential target for attacks, prompting preemptive emergency response measures.
In the chaotic aftermath, Orebro University Hospital mobilized its emergency plan, preparing intensive care units and emergency rooms to handle victims. Six of the injured were swiftly transported to the hospital; two of them were reported in stable but serious condition after sustaining gunshot wounds. Additionally, several police officers were treated for smoke inhalation incurred during the search and rescue operations across the campus’ extensive facilities.
People close to Andersson described him as withdrawn, with minimal recent contact with his family and no known criminal record. Authorities confirmed he possessed a legal hunting license and found no immediate evidence linking him to any criminal or ideological groups.
Witnesses shared harrowing accounts of the incident. Hellen Werme, a 35-year-old healthcare student, described barricading herself with others and experiencing overwhelming fear as the gunman roamed nearby. Another student, Mirna Essa, recounted moments of sheer panic as people scrambled for safety amid the gunfire.
Survivors used whatever means available to protect themselves; Andreas Sundling and his peers used furniture to blockade themselves in a classroom for over two hours until rescue by the police. Teacher Mattias Jansson applied his emergency training to assist in evacuating students, focusing on immediate survival tactics.
In response to the attack, local educational institutions were locked down as law enforcement officers converged on the scene. The adjacent communities and healthcare facilities remained on high alert throughout the afternoon, and police engaged the shooter as he fired upon them.
The Swedish royal family, deeply moved by the tragedy, visited the site to honor the victims. King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia extended their condolences, with the Queen placing white flowers at a makeshift memorial. Their presence underscored the national mourning for the lives lost and the collective grief faced by the community.
This violent act adds to a troubling trend in Sweden that has seen an increase in gun-related crimes despite stringent firearm regulations. In the previous year alone, the country experienced a significant spike in shootings, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries and giving Sweden the highest per capita rate of deadly gun violence in the European Union.
As the investigation progresses, police continue to compile evidence from witness statements and video surveillance to understand the motive behind the massacre. The Swedish Justice Minister joined the Prime Minister in Örebro to oversee the ongoing response efforts and support the community during this difficult time.