Trollhättan school stabbing

On October 22, 2015, a tragic event unfolded in the small town of Trollhättan, Sweden

Imagine a day that changed not just one life but many—this was the day Anton Lundin Pettersson carried out a mass stabbing at Kronan School. Three lives were lost, and another injured, all in the span of moments that felt like an eternity for those involved.

The Motive Behind the Attack

Was it just a random act of violence or was there something deeper driving Pettersson’s actions?

Pettersson’s choice to target Kronan School, located in a neighborhood with a high immigrant population, suggests his attack had more than meets the eye. His support for a petition to initiate a referendum on immigration and his visits to far-right websites paint a picture of someone deeply influenced by anti-immigration sentiments.

The Mysterious Attacker

Anton Lundin Pettersson entered the school dressed in black, cape-like clothing, and a Stahlhelm-style helmet. This attire drew comparisons to Darth Vader, adding an eerie twist to what was already a chilling event.

The Victims

Lavin Eskandar, a 20-year-old teaching assistant, became the first victim of Pettersson’s attack. She died at the scene, leaving behind a world that will never be the same for those who knew her. Ahmed Hassan and Wahed Kosa were also injured by Pettersson’s actions.

The Unusual Behavior

It is noteworthy that Pettersson spared two white students who took a picture with him. This detail raises questions about his motives and the complexity of his actions.

Background on Anton Lundin Pettersson

Who was this young man, and what led him to such extreme actions?

Pettersson had no criminal record but supported a petition for a referendum on immigration. He visited far-right websites and joined Facebook groups opposing immigration. The Swedish Security Service investigated his activities, revealing a complex individual with multiple layers of influence.

Personal Struggles

Former classmates described Pettersson as a lonely person who dressed in black clothing influenced by the emo or rock scene. There is evidence to suggest he had autism spectrum disorder, though his parents did not want him diagnosed. His interactions with online content that demeaned women and religious people further paint a picture of someone grappling with deep-seated issues.

The Backup Weapon

Pettersson carried a tantō knife as a backup weapon, indicating the seriousness of his intentions. This detail adds another layer to the story, highlighting the preparedness of this young man for what he was about to do.

Official Response and Impact

How did society react to such an event?

The Swedish government responded swiftly, with Prime Minister Stefan Löfven calling it a ‘black day’ for the country. King Carl XVI Gustaf expressed dismay and sadness over the news.

The Book

A book titled Det som aldrig fick ske: Skolattentatet i Trollhättan (in Swedish) was published in September 2017, providing new insights into the attack. The book’s publication came at a time when similar events were unfolding elsewhere, highlighting the global impact of such incidents.

The New Zealand Connection

In March 2019, two mass shootings occurred in New Zealand, where the perpetrator mentioned Pettersson in his manifesto and declared his support for him. This connection underscores the far-reaching influence of such events on individuals who feel disenfranchised or marginalized.

The events of October 22, 2015, in Trollhättan, Sweden, serve as a stark reminder of the complex issues surrounding immigration and the impact such debates can have on individuals. As we reflect on this tragic event, it is crucial to consider how we can foster understanding and empathy in our communities.