In brief
A brutal sword attack rocked Brinell School in central Sweden, killing a 17‑year‑old girl and seriously injuring two others. Police took an 18‑year‑old suspect into custody, treating the case as murder and attempted murder. The incident prompted a state of emergency over the weekend, with the Prime Minister and opposition leader visiting the site to offer condolences. Swedish authorities are continuing investigations, including house searches of the accused. The tragedy highlights growing concerns about school safety and armed violence in Sweden.
The victim of a deadly sword attack at Brinell School in Fagersta was a 17‑year‑old girl, according to police.
Two boys, aged 12 and 17, sustained serious injuries, while a third person suffered only minor wounds.
An 18‑year‑old man, who remains unnamed, was arrested and the case is being treated as murder and attempted murder.
The Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson, and opposition leader Magdalena Andersson visited the school on Saturday morning, where flowers were laid to honour the victims.
The attack unfolded early Friday afternoon after students had just returned from summer break.
Police reported firing shots at the scene but did not confirm whether the suspect was hit before being detained.
The suspect was reported to have been wearing a helmet and, according to local media, was a former student.
The region entered a state of emergency on Friday, which ended by Saturday.
Brinell School holds just under 500 students and is located about 170 kilometres northwest of Stockholm.
Investigators have already carried out two house searches linked to the suspect.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson described the event as a "serious incident" on X, emphasizing the police’s intensive work. King Carl XVI Gustaf expressed deep sadness at the news.
