Sweden mourns victims of mass shooting
Mourners gathered at a memorial for the victims of Sweden's worst mass shooting, to place flowers, light candles, and pray.
A deadly mass shooting at the Risbergska adult education centre in Orebro, Sweden, claimed 11 lives and left several others wounded, marking the country's worst mass shooting incident. The tragedy occurred approximately 200 kilometers west of Stockholm, sending shockwaves through the nation.
The suspected shooter, identified by Swedish media as Rickard Andersson, a 35-year-old former student of the school, was found dead at the scene. Police believe he likely took his own life after exchanging fire with law enforcement. Authorities confirmed the suspect had no apparent gang connections or ideological motives, and had legally obtained the weapon used in the attack.
Health officials reported that three women and two men remain in critical but stable condition, with another woman treated for minor injuries. The exact number of wounded has not been confirmed, and authorities are still working to identify victims using fingerprints, dental records, and DNA analysis.
The Risbergska centre, which provides Swedish language classes for immigrants and adult education for those over 20, became the site of a national mourning. King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia visited the campus, with the monarch stating, "All of Sweden is mourning." Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson described the incident as a dark day in Swedish history.
Local residents gathered for a candlelit vigil outside the educational centre, which remains cordoned off. Flags across the country, including at government buildings, parliament, and royal palaces, were lowered to half-mast in remembrance of the victims.
Police Chief Roberto Eid Forest continues to investigate the motives behind the attack, while defending the delayed release of casualty information due to the extensive size of the school premises and the complexity of the investigation.
