Authorities described it as the worst mass shooting in Swedish history. The suspect was also among those killed.
A large number of people were injured after a gunman opened fire at a school campus in the central Swedish city of Örebro, according to Roberto Eid Forest, the city's police chief.
Speaking at a press conference on the evening of February 4 local time, Mr. Forest said the police could not give an exact death toll because the investigation was still in its early stages.
Police confirmed the suspect had not been previously known and had no links to any gangs. They also did not believe the motive for the attack was terrorism-related. However, police did not reveal what kind of weapon the gunman used.
“We believe this was a lone actor,” said Mr Forest, calling the incident “extremely tragic, with multiple people involved.”
“This is a horrific event, it is extremely serious, a nightmare,” Mr. Forest added.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson sent his condolences to the victims and their families, and thanked the police. “Today we have witnessed brutal, deadly violence against innocent people – this is the worst mass shooting in Swedish history,” the prime minister said.
Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer, speaking alongside the prime minister, called it an “indescribably heartbreaking tragedy”.
The shooting occurred inside Campus Risbergska - an adult education school - which is located on a campus that includes several other schools, including a children's school.
Mr Forest said police received the first call about the incident at around 12:30pm local time.
Six people were taken to the local university hospital, including five with gunshot wounds, according to Jonas Claesson, the regional health director. Four underwent surgery, including two who are in stable condition.
Students from schools near the scene of the shooting in Örebro, 160 km west of the capital Stockholm, are being evacuated.
In the latest update, police said they were investigating multiple locations in Örebro and were continuing to work at the crime scene. “At present, police believe the suspect acted alone, but we cannot rule out the possibility of additional accomplices being involved,” the statement said.
Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf expressed his “sadness and horror” at the shooting in a written statement on the evening of February 4.
“Tonight, we send our condolences to the families and friends of those who have died. We also extend our condolences to the injured and their loved ones, as well as to all those affected by this tragedy,” the king said, expressing “our appreciation” to the rescue workers “who have made every effort to save and protect lives on this dark day.”
