Sword attack in Sweden: Police investigate link to violent online communities

Swedish police are investigating whether an 18-year-old who attacked students with a sword at a high school in Fagersta was influenced by violent online communities. A girl was killed and two were seriously injured in the attack. A TikTok account that posted a photo of a sword 20 minutes before the attack may belong to the suspect.

Swedish police are investigating whether the 18-year-old who attacked students with a sword yesterday (Friday, August 21) at a high school in the central city of Fagersta was connected to online communities that encourage school violence. A girl was killed and two boys were seriously injured in the attack. A TikTok account opened about a month ago and removed on Friday posted a photo of a sword about 20 minutes before the attack, apparently taken in the school's restrooms. The account included videos referencing two mass violence incidents in Sweden and the far-right Norwegian mass murderer Anders Behring Breivik. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and opposition leader Magdalena Andersson visited the school. Police clarified that the suspect was not shot during his arrest. The investigation continues.