Swedish police probe online networks after teenage girl killed in school sword attack

Key facts

• An 18-year-old man attacked students at Brinell School in Fagersta, Sweden, with a sword.
• A 17-year-old girl was killed in the attack, and two teenage boys were severely injured.
• The suspect was arrested and is being investigated for involvement in online communities promoting school violence.
• Police are examining a TikTok account that posted a picture of a sword shortly before the assault.
• The suspect has been detained on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.

Swedish police are investigating whether an 18-year-old man, who attacked students at a high school in Fagersta with a sword on Friday, killing one and severely injuring two others, was influenced by online communities that promote school violence. The parents of the 17-year-old girl confirmed her death to local media. Investigators are examining a TikTok account that posted a picture of a sword approximately 20 minutes before the assault, which appeared to have been taken inside the school. This account reportedly contained videos referencing past mass violence attacks in Sweden and the Norwegian mass murderer Anders Behring Breivik. The suspect was apprehended by police, who may have shot him in the leg during the arrest. Prosecutors have ordered his detention on suspicion of murder and multiple counts of attempted murder. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has condemned the incident as a 'terrible event'.