Sweden's permit loophole: Shooter held 4 guns legally
The Swedish police reported that the alleged perpetrator of the shooting in Örebro had a permit for four firearms. Three of them were found on him along with a large quantity of unused ammunition.
The alleged perpetrator of Tuesday's shooting at an adult school in Örebro had a permit for four firearms, the Swedish police reported.
Lars Wirén from the local police revealed that the man was found dead an hour after officers arrived at the scene. It is likely he committed suicide. The shooting resulted in the deaths of 10 people and injured six others.
The operation involved 130 police officers who had to operate over an extensive school area covering approximately 17,000 square metres. When the first officers arrived at the scene, they encountered chaos - Dead people, injured people, screams and smoke. Many people running inside and outside the premises - Wirén emphasised.
A moment later, the man, armed with a weapon "resembling a rifle," began shooting at the police officers, but did not injure any of them. Media reported that he had a hunting gun permit, which in Sweden is issued by the police after passing a hunting exam. One must be at least 18 years old, have a good record, and be mentally healthy.
"There is some information"
Police Chief Petra Lundh admitted that the procedures for issuing gun permits need thorough examination. Former Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson stated on Thursday after a meeting with the government that there are too many "legal and illegal firearms" in Sweden.
The police still have not confirmed the identity of the man suspected of carrying out the shooting. A DNA test has been ordered. Media previously reported that he is 35-year-old Rickard Andersson, a loner who has not had any work-related income for nine years.
Lead investigator Anna Bergqvist revealed that there is some information suggesting the suspect had connections with the school where he attacked. - That is something we will have to look closer at - she noted. Terrorism was preliminarily ruled out as the perpetrator's motive.
