World
At least 10 dead after shooting at Risbergska skolan school in Örebro
ÖREBRO, SWEDEN – A tragic mass shooting at an adult education center in Örebro has left approximately 10 people dead, including the suspected gunman, marking the deadliest mass shooting in Swedish history, according to authorities.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, speaking at a joint press conference with Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer, condemned the attack, describing it as an act of “brutal, deadly violence against completely innocent people.”
Multiple dead in School Shooting at Risbergska Skolan in Örebro, Sweden. Authorities have confirmed that five individuals were killed in the shooting. Graphic footage, reportedly filmed by a student, allegedly shows bodies being carried out of the schoolhttps://t.co/RJ51BJc12V pic.twitter.com/dnKklzcHlE— News Channel3 Now (@newschannel3now) February 4, 2025
“It is difficult to comprehend the extent of what has happened today. A dark shadow has fallen over Sweden tonight,” Kristersson stated from Stockholm. “With bottomless sadness, we have received confirmation from the police that around ten people have been killed and several others injured in this senseless school shooting in Örebro. What must not happen has now also happened in Sweden.”
The shooting occurred at Campus Risbergska, an adult education center that offers courses for students over the age of 20, including primary and secondary education, Swedish language classes for immigrants, vocational training, and programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
The gunman reportedly opened fire around 12:30 p.m. local time on the outskirts of Örebro, approximately 200 kilometers west of Stockholm.
The attack took place shortly after many students had left the campus following a national exam. Those remaining sheltered in nearby buildings while others were quickly evacuated.
Emergency services responded swiftly, with police vehicles, ambulances, and a helicopter deployed to the scene.
Authorities confirmed that the suspected shooter is among the deceased, and preliminary investigations suggest he acted alone.
Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer confirmed that an investigation has been launched to determine the motive behind the attack.
“The person currently identified as the primary perpetrator is deceased. This individual was not previously known to law enforcement,” Strömmer said. “Of course, we seek to understand why this happened. What motives could have driven such an atrocity? These answers will emerge as the investigation progresses.”
Roberto Eid Forest, head of the local police, acknowledged the extensive damage at the crime scene, noting that it has made it challenging to confirm the exact number of victims.
Police have also conducted a search of the suspect’s residence, though details about any findings have not been disclosed.
At this time, there are no suspected links to terrorism, and authorities have not provided information regarding a potential motive.
The shooting has shocked a country where such incidents are rare.
Prime Minister Kristersson urged the nation to stand together in the face of the tragedy:
“Sweden grieves tonight. Our hearts are with the victims, their families, and all those affected by this unimaginable violence.”
Authorities are working to identify the deceased, and the investigation remains ongoing.
World
Vatican Confirms Pope Francis Died from Cerebral Stroke Followed by Irreversible Heart Failure
The Vatican has officially confirmed that Pope Francis died from a cerebral stroke, which led to a coma and ultimately resulted in irreversible heart failure.
The announcement was made in a statement released shortly after his passing.
Although Pope Francis did not preside over Easter Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica this year, he made a brief public appearance at the conclusion of the service to deliver his “Urbi et Orbi” (“to the city and to the world”) Easter message.
The speech, a traditional papal address given twice a year, was read aloud by an aide just one day before his death.
In the wake of his passing, the Vatican initiated its first public act of mourning—a Rosary prayer service held in St. Peter’s Square at sunset.
The solemn gathering was led by Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, Archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica.
The first reading was delivered by Sister Raffaella Petrini, Secretary General of the Governorate of the Vatican City State and one of the highest-ranking women in Vatican leadership.
Her role exemplified Pope Francis’ commitment to increasing the involvement of women in decision-making positions within the Church.
Among the many tributes pouring in from around the world, U.S. President Donald Trump reflected on Pope Francis’ legacy during remarks at the annual White House Easter Egg Roll, saying, “He was a very good man who loved the world.”
Pope Francis is widely remembered as a transformative figure within the Catholic Church.
Known for his humility and progressive tone, he sought to challenge longstanding institutional norms. Jesuit scholar Thomas Reese once observed that Francis worked to “change the style of being Pope, attack clericalism, empower the laity, open the church to conversation and debate, and shift the pastoral and public priorities of the Church.”
Further arrangements regarding the funeral and conclave will be released in the coming days as the Vatican enters an official period of mourning.