SVT traces suspected attacker’s life of violence and forced training
Saturday 22nd August 2026 on 16:00 in
Sweden
Authorities suspect an 18-year-old man of murder and attempted murder after a sword attack at Brinell School in Fagersta, SVT reports. Documents describe a childhood marked by violence, threats and serious neglect, including forced martial arts training.
The attack was carried out inside the school by a person wearing black clothes, a helmet and a face mask. A 17-year-old girl was killed, three other people were injured, two seriously, and many students witnessed the incident.
Administrative court documents reviewed by SVT describe how the 18-year-old’s food intake was allegedly restricted to control his weight. They also say he was forced to undergo intensive martial arts training through violence or threats of violence.
About two years ago, he was placed in a foster home in Fagersta. Last year, authorities decided that the placement should continue under the Care of Young Persons Act, known as LVU in Sweden. Shortly afterwards, he was sentenced to youth service for assaulting a student at his former primary school.
A person close to the 18-year-old told SVT that he moved into his own flat in Fagersta when he became an adult.
“He was an unusual person who needed help. I saw him run past here just before the attack. What has happened is terrible. I hope the police do their job now,” the person said.
SVT has also linked the 18-year-old to a martial arts club in his former hometown. A former clubmate said he saw news of the school attack on TikTok on Friday afternoon.
“Then a friend sent a message in the group chat saying it was him. It was shocking. I had not expected it to be someone from our club. But what can you say? You have no idea who someone really is,” the former clubmate said.
The clubmate remembered the 18-year-old as quiet and withdrawn.
“I do not know what happened to him. He was withdrawn and did not talk much with the rest of us. He kept to himself and focused on his own training,” the clubmate said.
After some time, the 18-year-old suddenly stopped attending the club.
The suspected attacker is a student at Brinell School.