Teenager killed, three injured in sword attack at Swedish school; suspect arrested

A sword-wielding attacker killed a 17-year-old girl and injured three others at Brinellskolan high school in Fagersta, Sweden, on Friday, police and local media confirmed.
The first emergency call came at 14:06 local time, reporting an ongoing deadly assault at the school. Police patrols arrived by 14:09, and at 14:16, officers neutralized and arrested the suspect, firing warning shots during the apprehension, according to local police chief Tommy Alriksson . The victim, a girl in her late teens, was found dead as police secured the building. Two boys aged 12 to 17 remain hospitalized with serious but stable injuries, while a third boy with minor injuries was discharged Friday evening .
The suspect, an 18-year-old man, was detained and is being held in custody. Swedish broadcaster SVT reported he is a former student of the school and had previously been convicted of assault in 2025, serving a youth detention sentence . Police conducted raids at two addresses in Fagersta linked to the suspect later Friday .
Multiple schools and preschools in the area were locked down until 17:56, when authorities confirmed students could leave. Region Västmanland activated its emergency response protocol, which was lifted Saturday morning . A crisis support center was established at Risbrohallen, and a memorial site was set up by the municipality.
Prosecutor Ann-Sofie Trossing stated that an intensive investigation is underway, including witness interviews, but declined to confirm whether the suspect had made any admissions . Police also acknowledged a threatening image posted on TikTok shortly before the attack, showing a large sword placed on a guitar case, with bathroom fixtures matching those at the school .
The school, which serves around 450 students, was the scene of a large police operation Friday, with ambulances, police cars, and a helicopter deployed. Witnesses described panic as the masked, sword-armed attacker appeared inside the building . Authorities have not disclosed a motive.
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