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Sweden debates guns and extremism after its deadliest mass shooting

Pablo Gutierrez in Orebro, Sweden

02:15

Investigators in Sweden are looking into whether a deadly shooting at an adult education center was a targeted attack.

Ten people died, making it the country's worst mass shooting. The shooter, a former student, legally owned multiple firearms. He took his own life during the attack.

The Risbergska school campus was a place of learning. Now, it is a crime scene.

"She was one of a kind, she always laughed at silly things," said Neevi, a friend of one of the victims. "We had been working at the nursing home."

One of the victims, Camila, was studying to become a nursing assistant. "She was a 52-year-old mother, three children, one husband," said Sofia, another friend.

Among the dead is Salim Iskef, 29, who fled war in Syria in 2015. He came to Sweden for a better future.

Investigators are now examining whether this was a hate-motivated attack. Many students at this school campus are immigrants who are taking Swedish language classes and vocational courses.

Several victims remain hospitalized in serious but stable condition.

"I was lucky that I left before it happened," said Rhea, a student. "But sad so many people lost their lives."

The shooter, a 35-year-old unemployed man, was found dead at the scene. Police say he shot himself.

Authorities are now reviewing his background. Reports suggest he held anti-immigrant views.

"It's painful to think about everything that happened," said another immigrant student.

The attack has sparked a national debate on gun laws and extremism. Sweden has seen a rise in far-right rhetoric. Some now fear that words have turned into violence.

At a vigil, mourners lit candles and placed flowers at a growing memorial. Many held Swedish flags. The country now searches for answers in the wake of its deadliest shooting.

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