In brief
A deadly sword attack at Brinell School in Fagersta killed a 17‑year‑old girl and left two other students seriously hurt. An 18‑year‑old former student has been arrested and is being charged with murder and attempted murder. The region declared a state of emergency for the day, which ended the next morning. National leaders visited the site and pledged swift police action, while the school turned into a makeshift memorial. Investigators are conducting house searches and searching for evidence behind the act.
Police in central Sweden confirmed that the only fatal victim of a sword attack at Brinell School in Fagersta was a 17‑year‑old girl. Two other students, aged 12 and 17, suffered serious injuries, while a third person was slightly hurt.
An 18‑year‑old man, who has not yet been named, was arrested at the scene. Authorities say they are treating the case as both murder and attempted murder.
The attack occurred just after students returned from the summer break. Police reported firing shots once they were called to the scene, but they did not disclose whether the suspect was hit before being detained.
The region declared a state of emergency on Friday, but the emergency was lifted by Saturday. The school, with a roster of just under 500 students, is located roughly 170 km northwest of Stockholm.
Investigators have already searched two houses connected to the suspect. The suspect was reported to have worn a helmet, and the local media identified him as a former student.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson described the incident as a “serious incident” and said the police were working very intensely. King Carl XVI Gustaf expressed his sadness upon hearing the news.
Police and local officials are continuing to investigate all aspects of the attack, including motives and any potential accomplices.
