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Ten Dead, Including Gunman, in Sweden’s Worst Mass Shooting

A tragic shooting at an education center in central Sweden has resulted in approximately 10 fatalities, including the alleged gunman, according to police.

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson of Sweden called the incident at Risbergska school in Orebro, located 200 km west of Stockholm, the “worst mass shooting in Swedish history.”

Authorities believe the male assailant, who was not previously known to them, is among those deceased. At this point, they have not determined a motive and believe he acted alone.

“It is difficult to take in the magnitude of what has happened today,” stated Kristersson during a news conference this evening.

Earlier, authorities had indicated that the death toll might rise as there are multiple injuries reported. Several of the wounded have been hospitalized, with at least four undergoing surgery.

Initially, police reported that five individuals had been shot in what was being treated as a case of attempted murder, along with arson and a severe weapons offense.

Subsequent reports from local media indicated several fatalities before police confirmed the death toll was around 10, though they were unable to specify the exact number.

They also clarified that the attack did not seem to be motivated by terrorism.

The shooting was reported at 12:33 local time at the Risbergska school, an adult education center that is part of a larger campus housing other educational facilities.

These centers generally serve individuals who have not completed their primary or secondary education.

For safety reasons, students at nearby schools were kept inside earlier today.

Members of the public were advised to avoid the area, according to Orebro Police Chief Roberto Eid Forest.

During a press appearance with the prime minister, the justice minister expressed his condolences to those impacted by this “tragedy” and assured the public that schools would be secure for returning the following day.

“This is the most severe school shooting I have ever witnessed,” commented Gunnar Strommer.

Local hospitals made room in their emergency and intensive care units to accommodate incoming patients, as reported by the media.

Orebro University Hospital treated five individuals for gunshot wounds in their emergency room, and a sixth person received care for minor, non-gunshot-related injuries.

According to updates from the municipality of Orebro County, no children were among those treated.

Teacher Lena Warenmark reported hearing about 10 gunshots near her classroom to SVT, Swedish public radio.

Ali el Mokad, who believes his relative was at the school during the attack, waited outside a local hospital for news on his family’s condition.

“It’s quite distressing,” Mr. Mokad told Reuters. He mentioned his cousin had called a friend at the school who became overwhelmed by the horrific scene.

“She witnessed a dreadful sight with several people injured and bleeding on the ground,” Mr. Mokad recounted.

Marwa, a student and eyewitness, told TV4 Sweden about the traumatic attempt to aid a wounded person.

“A person next to me was shot in the shoulder and was bleeding heavily. Behind me, three people lay bleeding on the ground,” she said.

Marwa and a friend attempted to stem the bleeding of the wounded man using a shawl. “Everyone was so shocked,” she added.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Kristersson described this as “a very painful day for all in Sweden,” reflecting on those whose typical school day was shattered by terror.

“Being confined to a classroom with fear for your own life is a nightmare that no one should have to experience,” said Kristersson in a post on X.

He later emphasized the importance of giving police the necessary space to conduct their investigations and reassured the public of the safety in returning to school the next day.

Kristersson announced that more details would be provided by the authorities in the coming days.