Sword attack at Swedish school leaves one dead, three injured

A violent attack at a high school in Fagersta, Sweden, has left one person dead and three others injured, two critically. An 18-year-old former student entered the school armed with a sword, causing widespread panic among students and staff.

According to media reports, the perpetrator posted a photo of the sword on a TikTok account shortly before the attack. This account, reportedly geolocated to a school bathroom, allegedly glorified Anders Behring Breivik, the perpetrator of the 2011 Utoya massacre in Norway. The account, active for about a month, also reportedly featured posts celebrating other school shooters.

Police responded swiftly to the alarm, which was raised shortly after 2 p.m. local time. They secured the school, preventing further casualties, and arrested the 18-year-old suspect, who was shot in the leg by officers. Students, who had recently returned from summer vacation, were trapped inside the building for hours before being released by authorities.

One student described the harrowing experience, recounting how the attacker approached a classmate from behind and struck his arm, causing significant bleeding. "Then someone called the police and everyone started running because we were scared," the student told public broadcaster Svt.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson condemned the attack. Police are now investigating the suspect's motives, with initial reports suggesting he had a history of psychiatric issues and had been under the care of social services. The suspect, who reportedly wore a helmet during the assault, is believed to have acted alone.