Sweden Remands 18-Year-Old Suspect in Fatal High School Sword Attack

An 18-year-old man was remanded in custody on Sunday by the Vastmanland District Court on suspicion of murder and attempted murder following a fatal sword attack at Brinell school in Fagersta, Sweden.

The alleged attacker entered the school on Friday afternoon, August 21, just days after students returned from summer break. Police shot and arrested him at the scene. The investigation is in an early and intensive phase, according to the Swedish prosecution authority. The fatality in the attack was identified as a 17-year-old girl. Three boys were also wounded; two, aged 12 and 17, were seriously injured, and a third person, also under 18, sustained minor injuries and was discharged from a hospital.

The school principal told local media P4 Västmanland on Saturday that the attacker was a student at the school. Police fired shots during their action on Friday but did not hit the attacker. Local police chief Tommy Alriksson stated on Friday that investigators are seeking a motive and are looking into several leads. Media reported a TikTok account belonging to the youth was being investigated, which has since been taken down.

AFP viewed the account before its removal, noting it contained several videos referencing school attacks and a last update showing a photo of a sword. On Saturday, officers conducted around 80 interviews and planned to question nearly all the school's staff and students, approximately 450 people. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and opposition leader Magdalena Andersson visited a memorial site in Fagersta on Saturday, where about 70 people gathered with flowers and candles. King Carl XVI Gustaf expressed dismay and sadness.