Gunfire erupted at an adult education center, Campus Risbergska, in Orebro, Sweden, around 12:30 p.m. on a Tuesday, causing chaos as students and teachers were in class. Moments later, police arrived to find a smoke-filled environment, and it took hours before they issued an all-clear signal.
Orebro's police chief described the scene as “an inferno” with "dead people, injured people, screams and smoke.” This incident is being regarded as the worst mass shooting in Sweden's history, prompting the national government to lower flags to half-staff. At least 11 individuals were reported dead, with the shooter believed to be among them.
The gunman has not been publicly identified by the police, although media reports suggest he is a 35-year-old man living alone near the school. Authorities are still investigating the motive behind the attack, which involved a heavily armed assailant working alone.
According to police statements, the officers faced intense gunfire upon entering the school, making it difficult to ascertain the number of shooters. The gunman reportedly continued to fire multiple magazines of ammunition, which led to an unprecedented situation where none of the 130 responding police officers chose to return fire due to the chaotic environment.
After approximately an hour of searching, officers found the gunman deceased with three firearms and numerous empty magazines nearby. The police operation lasted over three hours, sweeping through the four-acre campus for victims and potential additional shooters.
In one classroom, students, including Hellen Werme, took cover for two hours, quietly hiding as they heard the gunman pass nearby. They were eventually rescued by police, prompting expressions of relief.
Among the deceased was 46-year-old Niloofar Dehbaneh, whose family was informed of her death after hours of uncertainty. Known for her efforts to integrate into Swedish society, she was studying to become a nurse aide.
Authorities launched an investigation into the suspect, believed to have no prior convictions and unknown to law enforcement previously. Four firearm licenses have been traced to him, and police are examining his apartment and reviewing video and audio recordings related to the incident.
Investigators indicated they are making progress in their inquiry but have not yet disclosed further details. Reports suggest the identified shooter lived an isolated life, distanced from peers and family.