In the wake of the worst school shooting in Sweden’s history, the government has announced stricter security measures for schools and pre-schools across the country. All educational institutions will now be required to develop plans to prevent unauthorized individuals from entering their premises.

The announcement follows the tragic attack at Campus Risbergska school in Örebro last week, where ten people were shot dead before the suspected gunman, identified as 35-year-old Swedish national Rickard Andersson, took his own life. The attack has sparked urgent discussions about school security in Sweden, where schools have traditionally been open spaces with minimal entry restrictions.

A national minute of silence and a moment of remembrance to honor the victims of the school shooting in Orebro on February 4 are held in the Swedish parliament (Riksdagen) in Stockholm, Sweden, February 11, 2025. TT News Agency/Claudio Bresciani via REUTERS

Stricter Security Measures

According to Reuters, Minister of Education Johan Pehrson outlined the new security measures in a press conference on Wednesday, stating that schools must now establish specific protocols to control access.

“For example, it could involve an entry registry, access controls, and a locking system with locked doors,” Pehrson explained. However, he emphasized that individual schools would have the flexibility to determine the most suitable measures for their circumstances.

The attacker reportedly entered Campus Risbergska carrying a hunting rifle and two shotguns concealed in a “guitar-shaped box.” Survivors and witnesses have expressed deep concern over the ease with which he was able to enter the building unnoticed.

Survivors Demand Action

Marwa, a student who survived the attack and helped tend to an injured classmate, voiced her frustration over the lack of security.

Police officers gather for a national minute of silence for the victims of the Risbergska School shooting that took place on February 4, at a memorial site in Orebro, Sweden, February 11, 2025.TT News Agency/Jessica Gow via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. SWEDEN OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN SWEDEN.

“They need to do something. It’s really strange that a person can just walk in with weapons like that without anyone noticing,” she told Reuters, adding that she is unsure if she will return to complete her nursing training.

In addition to access control measures, the government is accelerating legislation to allow schools to install surveillance cameras without prior approval. School staff may also be granted the authority to search students’ bags in an effort to enhance safety.

The Swedish government, led by the right-wing coalition, also announced last week that it would work to tighten gun laws. Reports indicate that the attacker legally owned the firearms used in the shooting, prompting calls for stricter regulations on firearm ownership.