OPEN LETTER: Enough is enough – Sweden must stop the violence before more lives are lost

We are devastated by the tragic school shooting in Örebro. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the affected families, friends, and the entire community. Sweden is grieving, and the world stands with us in mourning.

For decades, the warning signs have been clear.

Now, we are tragically witnessing that prediction come true—a school shooting has become a painful chapter in our history. This must be the wake-up call we cannot ignore.

For years, schools, healthcare providers, law enforcement, civil society, and the scientific community have been sounding the alarm. They have urged the importance of long-term preventive measures. Yet, the response has mostly been repressive actions, which alone will not resolve this crisis. Our nation has been on a dangerous trajectory for nearly 30 years: resources in social services have been reduced, support for schools and societal institutions has dwindled, while violence has been on the rise. We can no longer pretend that this deadly violence will simply fade away on its own.

We are facing a critical situation where children are shooting children, and weapons are circulating freely. The Non-Violence Project Sweden, alongside many other knowledgeable organisations and experts, offers proven solutions. We know what works.

There is consensus: If we invest as much in preventive efforts as we do in repressive measures, we can genuinely transform our society and create the safer Sweden we all desire.

Now, more than ever, we must put aside political differences and unite under the banner of humanity, working together for a Sweden that includes everyone, striving for a future free of violence.

We need a national coalition to prevent and address this horrifying violence not just to honour the victims, but to break the cycle that continues to take lives.

We are in a crisis—together—and we must act now for the sake of our children and grandchildren.

Non-Violence Project Sweden

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Contacts

• Dilara Cetinkaya, Country director Non-Violence Project Sverige, dilara.cetinkaya@nonviolence.com
  
• Rolf SKjöldebrand, Co-founder Non-Violence Project Foundation, rolf@nonviolence.com