Stockholm: Sweden plans to tighten gun laws following the deadliest mass shooting in its history. Authorities confirmed key details about the tragedy.
Victims Identified
Eleven people, aged 28 to 68, lost their lives in the attack. The gunman, also killed, was identified as 35-year-old Rickard Andersson.
Most victims were from Orebro county, where the shooting occurred. Among them were Syrian refugees and a Bosnian citizen.
Swedish authorities are finalizing the identification process before making a formal announcement.
The incident has left Sweden’s immigrant community in deep fear and uncertainty.
Weapons and Regulations
The shooter legally owned four rifles, with three found at the crime scene. Ten empty magazines were recovered nearby.
Sweden’s government now seeks stricter vetting for gun licenses and limits on semi-automatic weapons.
Officials argue some firearms are too dangerous for civilian use, except under strict conditions.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson emphasized ensuring that only responsible people access firearms.
Political Reactions
The Sweden Democrats support amending the law to tighten firearm access.
The government identified the AR-15 as a weapon that might face restrictions.
Police have not revealed which specific weapons the attacker used.
Officers discovered long rifles and multiple empty magazines at the shooting site.
Gun Ownership in Sweden
Current laws allow anyone over 18 with a clean record to apply for gun permits.
Those over 20 can seek approval for fully automatic firearms under special circumstances.
Approximately 580,000 Swedes hold a gun license, while civilian-owned firearms total around 2.3 million.
Swedish laws require theory and practical tests for hunting licenses, which 280,000 people possess.
Community Concerns
Orebro’s immigrant residents demand clarity on the attack’s motive.
Survivor Nour Afram described the terrifying moment gunfire erupted inside Risbergska school.
She recalled hearing ten rapid gunshots while fleeing in panic.
The lack of official information has heightened fear within immigrant communities.
Gun Crime in Sweden
Gun violence in Sweden is mainly linked to gangs, often using firearms and explosives.
Mass shootings unrelated to gang conflicts are rare in the country.
This attack marks Sweden’s first school shooting and deadliest mass shooting.
Previous school stabbings in 2015 and 2022 resulted in four deaths.
Sweden continues to assess firearm policies to prevent future tragedies.
