Rigberska School in Örebro, in central Sweden, went into lockdown this morning as a gunman went on the rampage – with witnesses on the scene claiming they heard “bangs, probably gunfire”
Approximately 10 people have been killed after a shooter opened fire with an automatic weapon at a school in Sweden, officials have confirmed.
Swedish Police said: “About ten people have been killed in the incident. We are currently working on identification. The total number of injured is currently unclear.” The news came during a police press conference held at 6pm local time, with the force also confirming the shooter is among the dead, Swedish news outlet aftonbladet reports.
Five people who were shot inside the school in Orebro were taken to A&E, four have had operations and one remains critically injured. Officers earlier said they believe one of those injured was the perpetrator, who is male.
The adult education centre is on the outskirts of the city of Orebro, which is located about 125 miles west of Stockholm. The Campus Risbergska school serves students who are over age 20, according to its website. Primary and upper secondary school courses are offered, as well as Swedish classes for immigrants, vocational training and programs for people with intellectual disabilities.
Teacher Lena Warenmark told SVT News that there were unusually few students on the campus Tuesday afternoon because many went home after a national test. She also told the broadcaster that she heard probably 10 gunshots. A video from the scene showed a large police presence and other emergency vehicles. Students were sheltering in nearby buildings. Other parts of the school were evacuated following the shooting, which began at around 12:30 pm local time (1130 GMT).
Andreas Sundling, 28, was among those forced to barricade themselves inside the school. “We heard three bangs and loud screams,” he told Expressen newspaper while sheltering in a classroom. “Now we’re sitting here waiting to be evacuated from the school. The information we have received is that we should sit and wait.”
Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer told Swedish news agency TT: “Five people are confirmed shot. This is currently seen as attempted murder, arson and aggravated weapons offence,” said a police statement. There are ambulances, police and other emergency services at the school.
“The reports of violence in Orebro are very serious. The police are on site and the operation is in full swing. The government is in close contact with the police, and is closely following developments.”
During a news conference on the Swedish employment market, another government official addressed the violence in Orebro, which has a population of around 155,000 people. “The government is following developments very closely and has a continuous dialogue with the police about this,” Mats Persson, minister for employment and integration, said Tuesday.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said the shooting at the school was a “painful day for all of Sweden.” He added in a statement shared to X/Twitter: “It is with sadness that I have received information about the terrible act of violence in Örebro. My thoughts are with those who have been affected and their relatives. It is a very painful day for all of Sweden. My thoughts are also with all those whose normal school day was exchanged for terror.
“Being confined to a classroom with fear for your own life is a nightmare that no one should have to experience. The government is in close contact with the Police Authority and is closely following the development of events.
“The operation is still ongoing and it is important that the public follows information from the police.
“My call is also to now give the police the peace of mind they need to investigate what happened and how these horrific crimes could have occurred.”
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