Sweden Plans Stricter Gun Laws and School Security After Shooting
Offering with flowers and candles in memory of the victims of the Risbergska shooting, Sweden, Feb. 2025. X/ @Subhash_LiveS
February 9, 2025 Hour: 8:33 am
Minister Edholm proposed new laws requiring schools to keep doors locked and called for mandatory emergency training.
On Friday, the Swedish government announced plans to tighten firearm regulations and enhance school security following a deadly school shooting in Orebro.
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The tragic event raises pressing concerns about gun legislation. The Swedish government stressed the need for stricter measures in the wake of the violence.
The shooting occurred at noon on Tuesday at Risbergska Skolan, an educational center primarily for adults in central Sweden, leaving 11 people dead. It was the first school shooting in Sweden since 1961. While previous incidents of fatal school violence have occurred, they were mainly carried out with knives.
As part of broader security reforms, Swedish Minister for Schools Lotta Edholm proposed new laws requiring schools to keep doors locked and called for mandatory emergency training.
Meanwhile, the government is considering fast-tracking legislation to allow the installation of surveillance cameras in schools, according to Minister for Justice Gunnar Strommer.
On Saturday, Swedish Television (SVT) reported that the ruling parties, which had previously opposed banning semi-automatic weapons, have now reversed their stance following the tragedy.
However, there is no clear timeline for legislative changes, with government officials suggesting January 2026 as a possible target. SVT analysts noted that the political debate on gun laws remains ongoing.
Swedish police completed the identification of the victims. The deceased ranged in age from 28 to 68, including the suspected shooter, a 35-year-old man. Authorities have yet to determine his motive.
teleSUR/ JF Source: Xinhua
