A 17-year-old girl was killed in a sword attack at a school in central Sweden, police confirmed Saturday, as investigators continued to examine the circumstances surrounding the violent incident.
The attack happened Friday at Brinell School in Fagersta, northwest of Stockholm, while classes were underway. An 18-year-old man armed with a sword was arrested after police responded to reports of deadly violence at the school.
Three other people were injured in the attack, including two teenage boys who suffered serious injuries.
Police Investigate Deadly School Attack
Police said the 18-year-old suspect has been taken into custody and is being investigated on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. Officers have not identified any additional attackers and currently have no reason to believe that anyone else was involved.
Authorities have also carried out searches at two locations connected to the suspect as part of the investigation. Police are interviewing witnesses and collecting evidence to establish exactly what happened inside the school.
The motive behind the attack has not been officially established.
Vastmanland County authorities said the two seriously injured victims were boys aged 12 and 17. A third victim, who was also under 18, suffered less serious injuries and was later released from hospital.
Community Mourns 17-Year-Old Victim
The attack has left the Fagersta community in shock. A memorial was set up outside the school, where residents gathered Saturday to leave flowers and light candles in memory of the teenage girl.
Around 70 people reportedly attended the memorial during the morning, reflecting the widespread grief following the attack.
The incident also prompted emergency measures in the area. A regional state of emergency declared Friday had ended by Saturday as authorities continued providing support to students, families and others affected by the violence.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expressed sympathy for those affected and said police were working intensively to determine what led to the attack.
Sweden Faces Renewed Concerns Over School Violence
The Fagersta incident has renewed concerns about violence at Swedish schools. The country has experienced several serious attacks at educational institutions in recent years.
In 2025, an attack at an education center in Örebro left 11 people dead, including the gunman. In 2022, two teachers were killed in a school attack in Malmö. A deadly attack at a school in Trollhättan in 2015 also claimed several lives.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the Fagersta attack, including the suspect’s background and possible motive. More information is expected as investigators interview witnesses and examine evidence collected from the scene.
