Sweden Strengthens Gun Laws After Örebro Mass Shooting

SESweden|

Sweden's government has announced plans to tighten its gun laws following the tragic mass shooting at an education center in Örebro on February 7, 2025, where a gunman killed ten individuals before turning the weapon on himself. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson emphasized the need to ensure that only responsible individuals possess firearms, stating, "We have to ensure that only the right people have guns in Sweden."

In response to the incident, which involved a suspect identified as Rickard Andersson, the government plans to restrict access to semi-automatic weapons and review the licensing process. Reports indicate that Andersson, a former student of the school, legally owned four firearms. The proposed regulations aim to clarify guidelines for assessing an applicant's suitability for firearm possession, including medical evaluations and background checks.

The shooting has raised concerns over potential racially motivated violence, affecting a diverse community, including victims from Syria, Eritrea, and Iran. The Social Democrats, Sweden's main opposition party, welcomed the changes but called for a comprehensive review of all existing gun licenses to enhance public safety.

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