Sweden searches for answers after mass shooting

Orebro: Sweden was reeling and authorities were searching for answers on Wednesday after what the government called the worst mass shooting in the country's history.

The attack unfolded on Tuesday at an adult education center in the city of Orebro, west of Stockholm, the capital. The police said that at least 11 people were killed -- with the suspect believed to be among the dead.

With Sweden in mourning, the authorities had yet to establish a motive or identify who was involved. Here's a look at what we know.

What happened?

Gunfire erupted about 12:30 p.m. at the Risbergska educational center, which offers classes to about 2,000 adults. Cellphone footage broadcast on local television showed students cowering under desks and chairs.

Authorities responded with a "major operation," sending police cars and armed officers swarming onto the campus. Nearby schools were briefly put on lockdown.

Early reports said that at least five people had been shot. On Wednesday morning, the police said in a statement that 11 people had been killed and that "the person who the police believe is the suspect is among the deceased."

At least six adults were wounded, police added, saying that they were working to identify the victims and notify their families. The authorities also said that six officers had been treated for smoke inhalation after responding to the scene.

Who is the suspect?

Police have not identified the suspect or speculated about a motive. They said in their statement only that the suspect was "previously unknown to police."

"We will return to the motive behind the shooting later," they added.

Authorities initially said that "everything indicates that the perpetrator acted alone without an ideological motive." But on Wednesday, they said they were still working to understand the circumstances and "whether more people are involved" -- urging any witnesses to come forward.

"If you have videos, we want to see them," said Roberto Eid Forest, the head of the local police. "If you were there, we want to talk to you."

How is Sweden responding?

The attack sent shock waves through Sweden. The country was long known for low crime rates and high living standards, but statistics show that it has been grappling with one of the highest per capita rates of gun violence in the European Union.

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson ordered flags flown at half-staff in response to what he called a "horrific act of violence."

Families of the dead and wounded were gathering outside the educational center in Orebro, which remained shuttered and cordoned off with blue and white police tape on Wednesday. Police officers stood guard around the yellow-brick building as people placed flowers and candles outside the center, which offers classes to adults studying for a high school diploma.

Peter Larsson, the municipal director of Orebro, said the educational center would remain closed for at least the rest of the week.

"I'm devastated," Larsson said. "It's really, very heavy."