Statement from EARLALL Network on the tragedy at the Adult Education Centre in Örebro, Sweden
07/02/2025
In the wake of the tragic events that unfolded at the Adult Education Centre in Örebro, Sweden, on February 4, 2025, the entire EARLALL network is deeply saddened. Our thoughts are with the education community, as well as the families and friends of those affected by this unimaginable loss. Educational centres should always be places of safety, learning, and growth, not sites of violence. Such tragedies should never be repeated in any country.
Madeleine Jonsson, Region Västra Götaland, President of the Environment and Regional Development Committee, on behalf of the EARLALL network Presidency, shared:
“On February 4, 2025, a devastating mass shooting took place at an adult education center in Örebro, Sweden. This horrific act, the deadliest mass shooting in the country’s history, claimed the lives of 11 people, including the gunman. Several others were injured, some critically.
The attack unfolded at Campus Risbergska, a place dedicated to learning and growth, now forever marked by tragedy. The gunman, whose motives remain unknown, opened fire in the afternoon, sending shockwaves through the students, staff, and the entire community. Emergency services responded swiftly, but the scale of the violence has left an unimaginable void in its wake.
As someone who grew up in Örebro, this tragedy feels deeply personal. It is difficult to find the right words, as I, like so many others, struggle to comprehend what has happened. Örebro is a city I have always associated with safety, community, and resilience. Now, it is a city in mourning, grappling with grief and shock. My heart goes out to the families and friends of those who lost their lives, to the injured fighting to recover, and to everyone in Örebro who is trying to process this unimaginable event.
The pain is immense, but in the midst of darkness, we must stand together. Sweden mourns with Örebro, and we must do everything we can to support those affected. This tragedy also serves as a painful reminder of the importance of working together to prevent such acts of violence in the future.”
In these challenging times, the EARLALL network remains committed to supporting all those affected and ensuring that educational spaces continue to be places of safety and growth. Our thoughts and solidarity are with the people of Sweden, and we stand united with the local community and advocate for a future where such senseless violence is no longer a threat to educational institutions.
