In the wake of a devastating mass shooting that resulted in the loss of at least 10 lives in Orebro, Sweden, officials are moving to bolster the country’s already strict gun laws. This decision follows Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson's classification of the event as the worst mass shooting in Swedish history. Earlier plans for new legislation derived from a 2022 inquiry are now being expedited in response to the violence.
Sweden Responds to Mass Shooting with Stricter Gun Laws
Sweden Responds to Mass Shooting with Stricter Gun Laws
Following a tragic mass shooting in Orebro, the Swedish government plans to tighten gun legislation, focusing on restricting access to semiautomatic weapons.
While the specifics of the proposal have yet to be finalized, the changes are expected to enhance the requirements for obtaining a gun license. These new standards would require police to thoroughly evaluate an applicant’s age, knowledge of firearms, skills, and criminal record, as well as conduct comprehensive medical history screenings.
The legislation is particularly focused on tightening access to semiautomatic firearms, including rifles akin to the AR-15, which have been legally available in Sweden since 2023 for hunting purposes. The impending regulations aim to significantly limit the availability of such weapons to ensure that firearms are only accessible to responsible individuals.
“The rules on gun possession must strike a balance between preventing crime and allowing legitimate reasons for firearm ownership,” the government stated in an announcement. “Our goal is to ensure that the right individuals have access to guns in Sweden,” said Prime Minister Kristersson during a recent visit to Latvia, further underlining the country's commitment to public safety in the aftermath of the tragic event.
The legislation is particularly focused on tightening access to semiautomatic firearms, including rifles akin to the AR-15, which have been legally available in Sweden since 2023 for hunting purposes. The impending regulations aim to significantly limit the availability of such weapons to ensure that firearms are only accessible to responsible individuals.
“The rules on gun possession must strike a balance between preventing crime and allowing legitimate reasons for firearm ownership,” the government stated in an announcement. “Our goal is to ensure that the right individuals have access to guns in Sweden,” said Prime Minister Kristersson during a recent visit to Latvia, further underlining the country's commitment to public safety in the aftermath of the tragic event.
