Police in Sweden say 5 people shot at school in city of Orebro, and incident is ongoing

Police in Sweden said Tuesday that at least five people were shot at a school in the city of Orebro. The police said they did not have any information about the condition of the victims, and they warned “the danger is not over,” as their operation continued.

“A major operation is currently underway at a school in Västhaga, Orebro,” the Swedish national police force said in a statement posted online, urging members of the public “to stay away from the Västhaga area” or, if not possible, to remain inside their homes.

“The operation concerns threats of deadly violence,” the police said. 

“The extent of the injuries is unclear,” the police said, adding a reference to charges of “attempted murder, arson and aggravated weapons offense,” but not confirming whether any suspect or suspects were in custody.

Sweden’s laws on firearm ownership are strict, with “the right to possess weapons, even for protection purposes,” requiring a license granted only with explicit permission from the police force, which must be applied for in advance of any intended purchase. A licensed gun owner must carry the document with them at all times when in possession of a weapon, and the law covers not only firearms but weapons that fire or deploy tear gas.