Sweden to tighten gun laws following deadly mass shooting in Orebro
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In response to the deadliest mass shooting in Sweden’s history, the government has announced plans to introduce stricter gun control measures, particularly targeting semi-automatic firearms.
The decision follows a tragic incident on Tuesday, in which a gunman killed 10 people at an education center in Orebro, west of Stockholm, before allegedly taking his own life.
On Friday, Swedish authorities confirmed they would propose amendments to existing firearm regulations, aiming to restrict access to semi-automatic weapons. The move comes after police recovered several long-barreled firearms and 10 empty magazines at the scene.
“There are certain types of weapons so dangerous that civilian ownership should only be permitted in exceptional cases,” the government stated. One such example is the AR-15, a semi-automatic rifle with high-capacity magazines capable of inflicting significant damage in a short period. The government also plans to revoke its recent approval for rifle use in hunting, which was granted by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency in 2023.
The Sweden Democrats, a key party supporting the coalition government, have backed the proposal, which seeks to tighten regulations on gun ownership and licensing.
In addition to restricting access to powerful firearms, the government plans to revise how individuals are assessed for gun licenses. A recent inquiry found that the current system lacked clarity, creating potential loopholes that could allow violent individuals to legally obtain semi-automatic weapons.
The proposed changes will include a more rigorous evaluation of an applicant’s fitness to own a firearm. Authorities will also strengthen cooperation between law enforcement and social services to ensure that individuals with medical or psychological conditions that pose a risk are reported and prevented from acquiring firearms.
Police are still working to determine the shooter’s motive. Investigators have identified a variety of nationalities, genders, and ages among the victims. A video recorded by a student hiding in a bathroom captured gunfire and a voice shouting, “You will leave Europe!”
While several victims remain unidentified, reports confirm that at least two were Syrian nationals, according to the Syrian embassy. Bosnia’s foreign ministry also stated that a Bosnian woman was among the deceased. Authorities expect to complete the identification process soon.
The suspect, identified in Swedish media as 35-year-old Rickard Andersson, has not been officially named by authorities. Reports describe him as a local resident who had withdrawn from society and was struggling with psychological issues.