Five Shot At School In Sweden, Operation Ongoing
According to multiple European news outlets, police in Sweden say several people in Uppsala have died in a shooting near Vaksala Square in the city’s center.
In a statement, police in the eastern Swedish city said they received multiple calls from the public reporting sounds resembling gunfire. “Several people have been found with injuries that indicate gunfire,” the statement said.
An investigation and manhunt are currently underway. According to Euronews, authorities have cordoned off a large section of the city and residents are urged to avoid Vaksala Square.
The shooting occurred just before the start of the Walpurgis festival, a spring celebration that typically draws large crowds.
What is the Walpurgis Spring Festival?
Walpurgis Night — or Walpurgis Spring Festival — is a traditional celebration held on the night of April 30th into May 1st across parts of Northern and Central Europe, particularly in Sweden, Germany, Finland and the Czech Republic. The festival marks the arrival of spring and is rooted in a mix of pre-Christian and Christian traditions.
The name “Walpurgis” comes from Saint Walpurga, an 8th-century English missionary who was canonized on May 1st. Over time, the date became associated with warding off evil spirits and celebrating the end of winter.
In Sweden, Walpurgis Night (Valborgsmässoafton) is a major cultural event. Large public gatherings feature bonfires, choirs singing traditional songs and fireworks. University towns like Uppsala and Lund are especially famous for their lively celebrations, with student parades, outdoor parties and street festivals.
What to Know About Sweden’s Gun Laws
Sweden has some of the stricter gun laws in Europe, tightly regulating firearm ownership through a system of licensing, background checks and mandatory training. To obtain a gun license, individuals must be at least 18 years old, have no serious criminal record, demonstrate a need for the firearm—such as for hunting or sport shooting—and complete approved safety training. Handguns are more heavily restricted than rifles and shotguns, and automatic weapons are generally prohibited for private citizens.
Mass shootings in Sweden are rare compared to other countries, but in recent years, gun violence linked to organized crime has become a growing concern. While Sweden has not experienced mass shootings on the scale seen in the U.S., incidents involving multiple victims—often in public spaces like shopping centers or residential areas—have become more frequent, especially in cities like Stockholm, Malmö and Gothenburg. These shootings typically stem from gang conflicts rather than lone-wolf attacks. (Newsweek)