Sweden school shooting latest: Police share new details on all 10 victims of Örebro massacre

Sweden school shooting latest: Police share new details on all 10 victims of Örebro massacre

Seven women and four men died in the shooting massacre in Sweden on Tuesday, police have confirmed after a lengthy identification process.

Ten people were slaughtered when suspected gunman Rickard Andersson, named in Swedish media and by Reuters, rampaged through the Risbergska School in Örebro before he is believed to have turned the gun on himself, according to police.

The identities of the dead have not yet been officially confirmed but are expected to be disclosed soon. As of yet, only one victim, 28-year-old Syrian Salim Iskef, has been named by local sources. Both Syrian and Bosnian authorities previously revealed that their citizens were among those killed.

A breakthrough was made in identifying the bodies on Thursday, Lars Bröms, who is involved in the identification process, revealed to Mitt i Stockholm.

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Meanwhile, Swedish Police confirmed they are not ruling out the possibility the attack was racially motivated.

Asked if they had ruled out a racist motive, the force told The Independent their investigation is ongoing, but they are looking at this broadly and not ruling out anything at this stage.

Key Points

  • Seven women and four men died, Swedish police confirm

  • Sweden's Ex-PM calls for reconsideration of gun laws

  • Swedish Police not ruling out possibility school shooting was racially motivated

  • 'Destroyed' fiancee last heard from Salim Iskef when he was shot and called to tell her he loved her

  • First victim named as Syrian refugee Salim Iskef

  • Bosnian citizen killed and one wounded in shooting, embassy says

Report: Elon Musk slammed for sharing lies about the response to Sweden school shooting

19:30 , Alex Croft

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Elon Musk has been condemned for sharing lies about the global response to the Sweden school massacre.

Rickard Andersson, a 35-year-old recluse, has been named in Swedish media as the suspected gunman who killed 10 people at Risbergska School in Örebro, before turning the gun on himself.

But as well-wishers paid their respects to the victims of the massacre online, X owner and member of the Trump administration Musk promoted a false claim that “no European politician” had mentioned the massacre.

Full report here:

Elon Musk slammed for sharing lies about the response to Sweden school shooting

Leader of church near to massacre describes community in 'shock, sorrow and disbelief'

18:56 , Tara Cobham

The leader of a church located just metres away from the Swedish school where a massacre was launched has described a community in “shock, sorrow and disbelief”.

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Anna Lena Evehäll, pastor of Orebro's Haga Church, told The Independent this evening that her church’s doors have been open from early in the morning until late at night to offer support ever since the “disaster” broke out nearby.

“We don’t understand it,” she said. “It hasn’t sunk into our minds. First people are in shock, then came sorrow, sadness, disbelief.

“It’s hard to read how many people are dead. It’s hard to imagine… They live here, they tried to get an education to contribute to this society, and this is how it ends for them – it’s horrible, it’s a disaster.”

Ms Evehäll, who also lives in the city, described how her church is among a few places that have opened their doors to mourners throughout this week. “We try to bring some hope, comfort and light in an awful situation for people who live here, work here and go to school here,” she said.

In pics: Sweden mourns victims of the mass shooting

18:40 , Alex Croft

A picture of a mass shooting victim, Salim Iskef, is displayed at St. Mary's church in Orebro, Sweden (REUTERS)
A picture of a mass shooting victim, Salim Iskef, is displayed at St. Mary's church in Orebro, Sweden (REUTERS)
Family members of mass shooting victim Salim Iskef mourn at St. Mary's Church in Orebro, Sweden (REUTERS)
Family members of mass shooting victim Salim Iskef mourn at St. Mary's Church in Orebro, Sweden (REUTERS)
A makeshift memorial was set up near the shooting (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
A makeshift memorial was set up near the shooting (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Syrian refugee among shooting victims is described as a 'hero'

18:20 , Alex Croft

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A Syrian refugeee who was named as among those shot dead in the school shooting in Sweden has been described as a “hero”.

Jonatan Suaw, 29, told local media Salim Iskef, 29, who was named in Swedish reports as among the victims of the horror attack, had been working as his personal assistant for a year while he studied to become a nurse.

Speaking at a memorial site outside Risbergska School, Mr Suaw, who is unable to walk, said Mr Iskef would carry him when he has been unable to move.

Speaking of Mr Iskef, Mr Suaw told Swedish publication Expressen: “He wanted to educate himself and continue working with people like me. I have lost my hero... He treated me like a human being.”

Rickard Andersson: Who was the Sweden school shooting suspect accused of killing 10 people?

17:59 , Alex Croft

The gunman behind Sweden’s worst-ever shooting has been named by Swedish media as 35-year-old Rickard Andersson.

After massacring 10 people at Risbergska School in Orebro on Tuesday, police believe the attacker turned the gun on himself.

Andersson was described by relatives as a “loner” who “doesn't seem to like people”, Swedish outlet Aftonbladet reported. He suffered with mental health problems, had a licence for multiple hunting rifles, and had repeatedly been refused military service, the outlet added.

Read the full report:

Rickard Andersson: Who was Sweden school shooting suspect accused of killing 10

Shooting suspect lived as a recluse, his neighbour says

17:37 , Alex Croft

The gunman who opened fire at an adult education centre, killing 10 people, lived as a recluse, his neighbour told CNN.

The suspect has not been officially named by the police but Swedish reports confirmed his identity as 35-year-old Rickard Andersson.

PJ Samuelsson, who lived next door to the suspect since May 2024, said he has never seen or heard his neighbour.

“I couldn’t come up here. They said you’ll have to wait a couple of hours,” Mr Samuelsson said, adding that he found the apartment block surrounded by heavily armed police when he returned on Tuesday.

He said he knew “nothing at all” about his neighbour and had only seen his name on the door. Mr Samuelsson told the broadcaster that knowing his neighbour is the suspect is “terrible".

He said it was a “disgusting” thought that Andersson had weapons next door.

Gunman was connected to adult education centre where he launched attack, say officials

17:17 , Alex Croft

The shooter who earlier this week killed 10 people in Sweden's worst mass shooting was connected to the adult education centre where he opened fire with at least one rifle-like weapon, law enforcement officials said Thursday.

Authorities said the gunman, who has not yet been officially identified, may have attended school there before Tuesday's violence on the school campus west of Stockholm.

Sweden Shooting (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)
Sweden Shooting (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

ICYMI: One woman discharged, five remain in hospital

16:56 , Alex Croft

The woman who was treated for minor injuries after the school shooting has been discharged from hospital, regional authorities said in a press release.

Five people, including three women and two men, remain in hospital where they are being treated for gunshot wounds.

Two women remain in the intensive care unit, in a “serious but stable” condition.

The remaining three are in a stable condition.

Watch: Sweden shooting witness recalls chaotic, bloody aftermath of violence

16:35 , Alex Croft

Several municipal employees in Örebro missing - report

16:15 , Alex Croft

Several municipal employees in Örebro are missing after the shooting on Tuesday, according to TV4.

Concerned colleagues now fear that they may be among those killed. Trade union Kommunal has confirmed to the Swedish outlet that multiple employees are missing.

“It is members and representatives who contact us and tell us that they have colleagues who have not shown up for work,” says chairwoman Britt Marie Balaj said.

The missing people work in health and social care in the municipality, but are believed to have been students at Risbergska School.

Seven women and four men died, Swedish police confirm

16:07 , Alex Croft

Seven women and four men died in the shooting on Thursday, Swedish police have confirmed.

The victims were aged between 28 and 68 years of age, police said.

"All the deceased are from Örebro County, seven women and four men of the following ages: A woman 32 years old, a woman 38 years old, a woman 46 years old, a woman 52 years old, a woman 54 years old, a woman 55 years old, a woman 68 years old, a man 28 years old, a man 31 years old, a man 35 years old and a man 48 years old,” the police said according to Expressen.

Identification process still underway, says official

15:48 , Alex Croft

The process of identifying all of the victims of the Örebro massacre is still underway, an official has said.

Police still hope to identify the bodies today, but will not issue any confirmation yet.

“No, we are not saying anything about it. These are things we are waiting to do until the relatives have found out about it,” says Lars Bröms, leading the identification process.

“We are still identifying and we are still at full speed down at forensics in Solna. Not all the bodies are ready yet so we are still waiting for information,” he added.

'There were bloodstains, puddles and drops everywhere' - witness account

15:23 , Alex Croft

Maria Lahdo, a survivor of the gun massacre, described the “bloodbath” when she stepped out of her hiding place to be escorted out by police.

Hidden with others inside a classrooms, she recalls comforting each other and phoning worried relatives as gun shots rang out in the school.

“We heard two shots, when the third came we realized something was wrong,” Ms Lahdo told Expressen. “Another person in the room froze in shock in the doorway... I had to pull the person into the room and quickly lock it.

“There was someone in the hallway who suddenly started pulling the door handle. It must have been him trying to get in. Several people had panic attacks, it was terrible.”

When police arrived and they were escorted out of the room, they were warned that there would be blood.

“But you really didn't understand it until you saw it with your own eyes,” she said.

“There were bloodstains, puddles and drops everywhere. You could see that people had been dragged in that blood. And we stepped in the blood when we ran out.”

Watch: Swedish King says Sweden is 'standing behind' families of school shooting victims

14:54 , Alex Croft

Victim Salim Iskef's friend tells of love for man who was like his brother

14:31 , Alex Croft

The close friend of the 29-year-old who has been identified as among those shot dead in the horror attack has told local media of his love for a man who was like his brother.

Jonatan Suaw, 29, said Salim Iskef, 29, who was named in local reports as among the victims of the school shooting in Sweden, told Swedish publication Expressen: “I loved him.”

Mr Suaw said he had been invited to Mr Iskef’s upcoming wedding and had held his niece when she first first born.

Mr Suaw told the newspaper the pair were like brothers and that he now wants to live as Mr Iskef would live if he was still alive, always trying to do his best and being a good person.

 (Syrian Orthodox St Mary's Church Orebro)
(Syrian Orthodox St Mary's Church Orebro)

Final heartbreaking phone call school shooting victim made to mother during attack revealed

14:10 , Alex Croft

The final heartbreaking phone call one of the Swedish school shooting victims made to his mother during the attack has been revealed.

Salim Iskef, 29, reportedly called his fiancée then his mother from inside Risbergska School just before he was shot dead in the horror that unfolded there.

In what were among his last words, Mr Iskef’s aunt Nadia Reeb told Aftonbladet that the 29-year-old told his mother: “Mom, take care of yourself and take care of my girl too.”

In pictures: Mourners pay their respects

13:48 , Alex Croft

The victims of the shooting are expected to be named today (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
The victims of the shooting are expected to be named today (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
A makeshift memorial was set up near the site of the shooting (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
A makeshift memorial was set up near the site of the shooting (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
Ten people were killed before the gunman shot himself, police say (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
Ten people were killed before the gunman shot himself, police say (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Saudi leaders extend condolences to Sweden's king after school shooting

13:29 , Alex Croft

Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud offered condolences to Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf after 10 people were killed in one of the worst shooting incidents in the country.

Crown prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud condemned "this criminal act, and extended his deepest condolences and sincere sympathy" to the Swedish king, families of the deceased and friendly people of Sweden, a statement read.

Sombre scenes as Swedish royals and Prime Minister visit school shooting scene

13:10 , Alex Croft

Elon Musk slammed for sharing lies about the response to Sweden school shooting

12:50 , Alex Croft

Elon Musk has been condemned for sharing lies about the global response to the Sweden school massacre.

Rickard Andersson, a 35-year-old recluse, has been named in Swedish media as the suspected gunman who killed 10 people at Risbergska School in Örebro, before turning the gun on himself.

But as well-wishers paid their respects to the victims of the massacre online, X owner and member of the Trump administration Musk promoted a false claim that “no European politician” had mentioned the massacre.

Posted by right wing account Inevitable West, the tweet also falsely claimed the “legacy media, as always, is silent”, despite widespread coverage of the tragedy in newspapers and on television around the world.

Read the full report:

Elon Musk slammed for sharing lies about the response to Sweden school shooting

'You should leave Europe' heard in victim's footage

12:27 , Alex Croft

A video published by TV4 shows a victim hiding in the bathroom while the Örebro shooter appears to be firing bullets outside.

At one point, someone can be heard shouting “you should leave Europe”, according to audio analysis by the Swedish broadcaster.

It is unclear who shouts the phrase. Police say the motive behind the crime is still being investigated.

Hashem Shams, who recorded and published the video, said in an Instagram story on Tuesday: “I was there, and I cannot understand what happened. I am grateful to be alive, but my thoughts go out above all to those who did not, to those who were injured and to all the relatives who have lost someone they love.

“No one should have to experience something like this. I feel sadness, shock and a great powerlessness, but I also want to express my sympathy and support to all those affected.”

Syrian refugee among shooting victims is described as a 'hero'

11:41 , Alex Croft

A Syrian refugeee who was named as among those shot dead in the school shooting in Sweden has been described as a “hero”.

Jonatan Suaw, 29, told local media Salim Iskef, 29, who was named in Swedish reports as among the victims of the horror attack, had been working as his personal assistant for a year while he studied to become a nurse.

Speaking at a memorial site outside Risbergska School, Mr Suaw, who is unable to walk, said Mr Iskef would carry him when he has been unable to move.

Speaking of Mr Iskef, Mr Suaw told Swedish publication Expressen: “He wanted to educate himself and continue working with people like me. I have lost my hero... He treated me like a human being.”

ICYMI: Bosnian citizen killed and one wounded in shooting, embassy says

11:23 , Alex Croft

Bosnian citizen killed and one wounded in shooting, embassy says

A Bosnian citizen is one of those killed in the mass shooting in Örebro, the country’s foreign ministry has announced.

Another Bosnian citizen was wounded in the attack, it added.

In a post on X, the ministry said its embassy in Sweden had been told the news by family members of the victims - although there was no official confirmation from Sweden.

'I have no words', survivor writes on Instagram

10:59 , Alex Croft

A survivor of the horror shooting in Sweden has written that he has “no words” for what happened.

Hashem Shams shared a video on his Instagram story appearing to show himself hidden in a bathroom as gunfire clatters outside.

On Wednesday, Mr Shams wrote on an Instagram story: “I have no words for what happened in Örebro yesterday.

“I was there, and I cannot understand what happened. I am grateful to be alive, but my thoughts go out above all to those who did not, to those who were injured and to all the relatives who have lost someone they love.

“No one should have to experience something like this. I feel sadness, shock and a great powerlessness, but I also want to express my sympathy and support to all those affected.”

One woman discharged, five remain in hospital

10:21 , Alex Croft

The woman who was treated for minor injuries after the school shooting has been discharged from hospital, regional authorities said in a press release.

Five people, including three women and two men, remain in hospital where they are being treated for gunshot wounds.

Two women remain in the intensive care unit, in a “serious but stable” condition.

The remaining three are in a stable condition.

How did suspected gunman Rickard Andersson get hold of guns?

10:17 , Alex Croft

Information is beginning to emerge in Swedish media on how Rickard Andersson, a social recluse who had paid no taxes in nine years, obtained licences for several weapons.

The licences were issued by police shortly after he received his hunter’s licence in 2011, TV4 Nyheterna wrote.

According to information provided to Expressen, the hunting weapons included two shotguns and two semi-automatic rifles.

Three guns were found near the shooter’s body in the Risbergska School, police said earlier.

 (Supplied)
(Supplied)

Several municipal employees in Örebro missing - report

10:03 , Alex Croft

Several municipal employees in Örebro are missing after the shooting on Tuesday, according to TV4.

Concerned colleagues now fear that they may be among those killed. Trade union Kommunal has confirmed to the Swedish outlet that multiple employees are missing.

“It is members and representatives who contact us and tell us that they have colleagues who have not shown up for work,” says chairwoman Britt Marie Balaj said.

The missing people work in health and social care in the municipality, but are believed to have been students at Risbergska School.

Swedish government backs changes to gun law

09:42 , Alex Croft

The Swedish government has agreed to make changes to gun laws in the country after its deadliest mass shooting.

In a press release on Friday morning, the government promised to limit access to certain semi-automatic weapons and clarify rules for suitability testing, Expressen reported.

There will also be a tightening in the process of reporting those who are medically unsuitable for weapons to the Police Authority.

Family members of mass shooting victim Salim Iskef mourn at St. Mary's Church in Orebro, Sweden (REUTERS)
Family members of mass shooting victim Salim Iskef mourn at St. Mary's Church in Orebro, Sweden (REUTERS)

Victims and perpetrator expected to be officially identified today - official

09:15 , Alex Croft

On Thursday, one of the officials involved in identifying the victims said their names were likely to be officially revealed on Friday.

A breakthrough in identifying the bodies meant they are expected to be named today, Lars Bröms told Mitt i Stockholm.

The perpetrator is also expected to be identified.

'There were bloodstains, puddles and drops everywhere' - witness account

08:48 , Alex Croft

Maria Lahdo, a survivor of the gun massacre, described the “bloodbath” when she stepped out of her hiding place to be escorted out by police.

Hidden with others inside a classrooms, she recalls comforting each other and phoning worried relatives as gun shots rang out in the school.

“We heard two shots, when the third came we realized something was wrong,” Ms Lahdo told Expressen. “Another person in the room froze in shock in the doorway... I had to pull the person into the room and quickly lock it.

“There was someone in the hallway who suddenly started pulling the door handle. It must have been him trying to get in. Several people had panic attacks, it was terrible.”

When police arrived and they were escorted out of the room, they were warned that there would be blood.

“But you really didn't understand it until you saw it with your own eyes,” she said.

“There were bloodstains, puddles and drops everywhere. You could see that people had been dragged in that blood. And we stepped in the blood when we ran out.”

Watch: Sweden school shooter appears to shout 'You will get out of Europe'

08:25 , Alex Croft

Syria refugee Salim Iskef was killed in massacre having fled the war

08:03 , Alex Croft

A Syrian refugee who fled the war in 2015 has been named as one of the victims of the Örebro school massacre.

Sweden is reeling in the wake of its worst ever mass shooting. A gunman killed ten people in a rampage at Risbergska School on Tuesday before shooting himself, police say.

Authorities described an “inferno” with “dead people and injured people, screams and smoke” when they arrived on the scene five minutes after an emergency call.

Rickard Andersson, the 35-year-old suspect named by Swedish media and a police source, was a recluse who had little contact with the outside world.

Sweden shooting victims: Syria refugee Salim Iskef shot dead after fleeing war

Who was the Sweden school shooting suspect accused of killing 10 people?

07:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Rickard Andersson: Who was Sweden school shooting suspect accused of killing 10

Some 130 officers arrived on scene of 'inferno'

07:00 , Tara Cobham

Some 130 officers arrived on Tuesday after alarms summoned them to the school to find chaos across the campus.

They described the scene as an "inferno" and believe the gunman turned his weapon toward them as they entered the building.

"Dead people, injured people, screams and smoke," local police chief Lars Wiren said during a news conference. "Many people running inside and outside the premises."

Emergency personnel gather after the school shooting in Orebro, Sweden (EPA)
Emergency personnel gather after the school shooting in Orebro, Sweden (EPA)

Saudi leaders extend condolences to Sweden's king after school shooting

06:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud offered condolences to Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf after 10 people were killed in one of the worst shooting incidents in the country.

Crown prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud condemned "this criminal act, and extended his deepest condolences and sincere sympathy" to the Swedish king, families of the deceased and friendly people of Sweden, a statement read.

Latest on six people injured in school shooting

06:00 , Tara Cobham

As well as the 11 people dead, officers found at least five people, all over age 18, with serious gunshot wounds.

Two of them remained in intensive care Thursday in serious but stable condition. The other three were in stable condition after surgery.

A sixth person was treated for minor injuries.

In pics: Sweden mourns victims of the mass shooting

05:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

A picture of a mass shooting victim, Salim Iskef, is displayed at St. Mary's church in Orebro, Sweden (REUTERS)
A picture of a mass shooting victim, Salim Iskef, is displayed at St. Mary's church in Orebro, Sweden (REUTERS)
Family members of mass shooting victim Salim Iskef mourn at St. Mary's Church in Orebro, Sweden (REUTERS)
Family members of mass shooting victim Salim Iskef mourn at St. Mary's Church in Orebro, Sweden (REUTERS)
Mourners leave flowers and candles at the memorial site outside the school after the shooting in Risbergska school in Orebro (EPA)
Mourners leave flowers and candles at the memorial site outside the school after the shooting in Risbergska school in Orebro (EPA)

Sweden's Ex-PM calls for reconsideration of gun laws

05:12 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Former Swedish prime minister Magdalena Andersson has called for immediate reconsideration of gun laws following the mass shooting in Orebro, where 10 people were killed.

"What we already know is that there are too many guns that are available in our society, so we have to do something about that," the leader of opposition Social Democrats told The Guardian.

Ms Andersson also called for the EU to curb social media platforms that she said served up far too much violence to the youth.

Gunman was connected to adult education centre where he launched attack, say officials

05:00 , Tara Cobham

The shooter who earlier this week killed 10 people in Sweden's worst mass shooting was connected to the adult education centre where he opened fire with at least one rifle-like weapon, law enforcement officials said Thursday.

Authorities said the gunman, who has not yet been officially identified, may have attended school there before Tuesday's violence on the school campus west of Stockholm.

Shooting suspect lived as a recluse, his neighbour says

04:31 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

The gunman who opened fire at an adult education centre, killing 10 people, lived as a recluse, his neighbour told CNN.

The suspect has not been officially named by the police but Swedish reports confirmed his identity as 35-year-old Rickard Andersson.

PJ Samuelsson, who lived next door to the suspect since May 2024, said he has never seen or heard his neighbour.

“I couldn’t come up here. They said you’ll have to wait a couple of hours,” Mr Samuelsson said, adding that he found the apartment block surrounded by heavily armed police when he returned on Tuesday.

He said he knew “nothing at all” about his neighbour and had only seen his name on the door. Mr Samuelsson told the broadcaster that knowing his neighbour is the suspect is “terrible".

He said it was a “disgusting” thought that Andersson had weapons next door.

Shock and grief in Orebro where 10 were shot dead

03:35 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

In Orebro, a town of 160,000 considered Sweden's seventh-largest municipality, Thursday brought more sadness but still few answers.

"It has been two days of shock and grief," John Johansson, chairman of the town's municipal board, told The Associated Press.

"We are still asking questions of why, still wondering what has happened. The outpouring of grief and togetherness has been enormous.”

Ten people were killed earlier this week in Sweden's worst mass shooting where the gunman opened fire at an adult education centre with at least one rifle-like weapon.

King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia, as well as prime minister Ulf Kristersson, visited Orebro on Wednesday and attended a memorial service.

"This is not a Swedish problem, it's a problem that we have seen throughout the world," Mr Johansson said about the gun violence.

Gunman was connected to school where he opened fire, police say

03:14 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

The shooter who earlier this week killed 10 people in Sweden's worst mass shooting was connected to the adult education centre where he opened fire with at least one rifle-like weapon, law enforcement officials said.

Authorities said the gunman, who has not yet been officially identified, may have attended school there before Tuesday's violence on the school campus west of Stockholm.

After the carnage, the shooter turned the gun on himself, police said, adding they have recovered three guns, 10 empty magazines and a large amount of unused ammunition next to his body.

The school, Campus Risbergska, offers primary and secondary educational classes for adults age 20 and older, Swedish-language classes for immigrants, vocational training, and programmes for people with intellectual disabilities. It is on the outskirts of Orebro, about 200km from Stockholm.

What is known about school where shooting happened

03:00 , Tara Cobham

The school, Campus Risbergska, where the mass shooting happened in Sweden offers primary and secondary educational classes for adults age 20 and older, Swedish-language classes for immigrants, vocational training, and programs for people with intellectual disabilities.

It is on the outskirts of Orebro, about 200 kilometers (125 miles) from Stockholm.

Emergency personnel and police officers work at the adult education centre Campus Risbergska school after the shooting attack in Orebro, Sweden, on Tuesday (Reuters)
Emergency personnel and police officers work at the adult education centre Campus Risbergska school after the shooting attack in Orebro, Sweden, on Tuesday (Reuters)

Mourners elsewhere in Sweden struggle to process thought of mass violence in own country

02:00 , Tara Cobham

Mourners elsewhere in Sweden, where gun violence at schools is very rare, struggled to process the thought of mass violence in their own country.

""This is not a Swedish problem, it's a problem that we have seen throughout the world," John Johansson, chairman of Orebro's municipal board, said. "We are still asking questions of why, still wondering what has happened.”

Swedish Football Association to begin international matches with moment of silence

01:00

The Swedish Football Association has pledged to begin its future international matches with a moment of silence.

It comes after King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia, as well as Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, visited Orebro on Wednesday and attended a memorial service.

Swedish Police not ruling out possibility school shooting was racially motivated

Thursday 6 February 2025 23:38 , Tara Cobham

Swedish Police have confirmed they are not ruling out the possibility that the mass school shooting was racially motivated as it emerged that the 10 people killed are of multiple nationalities.

When asked if they have ruled out the possibility the attack was racially motivated, the force told The Independent their investigation is ongoing, but they are looking at this broadly and not ruling out anything at this stage.

Survivor describes Swedish school shooting as 'worst hours of my life'

Thursday 6 February 2025 23:29

A survivor of the Swedish school shooting has described the attack as “the worst hours of my life”.

The shooting started on Tuesday afternoon, after many students had gone home following a national exam.

Survivors scrambled for cover as shots rang out, sheltering behind or under whatever they could find to escape the gunman and the gore.

One woman with children feared she might never see them again, while another used her friend's shawl to staunch the bleeding of a man who'd been shot in the shoulder.

"Those were the worst hours of my life. I did not know if I would get shot there and then, or in 10 minutes. You simply waited," Hellen Werme, 35, told the Expressen newspaper.

People gather at a makeshift memorial near the scene of a shooting on the outskirts of Orebro, Sweden (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
People gather at a makeshift memorial near the scene of a shooting on the outskirts of Orebro, Sweden (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

'Destroyed' fiancee last heard from Salim Iskef when he was shot and called to tell her he loved her

Thursday 6 February 2025 22:24 , Tara Cobham

After shooting victim Salim Iskef, 29, was shot he called his mother and fiancee to tell them that he loved them. That was the last they heard from him.

“His fiancee is totally destroyed,” Jacob Kaselia, a friend of the family and priest at St Mary's church in Orebro, said after leading a memorial service for the 29-year-old in front of about 400 people. "We try to help her, but honestly, it's very hard."

Days of 'shock and grief' in Orebro

Thursday 6 February 2025 21:30 , Tara Cobham

In Orebro, a town of 160,000 that's considered Sweden's seventh-largest municipality, Thursday brought more sadness but still few answers.

"It has been two days of shock and grief," John Johansson, chairman of the town's municipal board, said. "We are still asking questions of why, still wondering what has happened. The outpouring of grief and togetherness has been enormous."

What are the gun ownership rules in Sweden

Thursday 6 February 2025 21:03 , Tara Cobham

While gun violence at schools is very rare in Sweden, people were wounded or killed with other weapons such as knives or axes in several incidents in recent years.

Authorities said the shooter had licenses for four weapons, three of which were found next to his body. Police have seized the fourth.

In order to possess a firearm legally, applicants must obtain a weapon license and demonstrate that it will be used for an acceptable purpose, such as hunting or target shooting, and not be misused. Applicants must also submit previously obtained hunting or target shooting certificates. Hunting certificates require people to pass a training course, while target shooters must be certified as active and experienced members of clubs.

In Sweden, a country of roughly 10.5 million people, there were just over 660,000 registered gun owners at the beginning of 2024, according to the Swedish news agency TT. Those registered owners had some 2 million guns, objects that are considered firearms and weapon parts that require a permit.

TT reported that 1.6 million of those guns are registered for hunting, and another 176,000 for target-shooting.

All weapons must be stored in secure cabinets approved by the police. Applications for fully automatic weapons or one-handed weapons are only granted for exceptional reasons, and such permits are generally time-limited.

Permits are revoked if the weapon is modified to be substantially different from its original function.

Authorities say no suspected connections to terrorism at this point

Thursday 6 February 2025 21:00

Authorities have said there were no suspected connections to terrorism at this point.

However, investigators had not uncovered a definitive motive behind the bloodshed by Thursday.

Police said there were no warnings beforehand, and they believe the perpetrator acted alone.

In pictures: Flowers and candles near scene of mass shooting in Orebro

Thursday 6 February 2025 20:30 , Tara Cobham

Flowers and candles near the scene of the shooting on the outskirts of Orebro, Sweden, on Thursday (AP)
Flowers and candles near the scene of the shooting on the outskirts of Orebro, Sweden, on Thursday (AP)
Investigators say the victims are ‘different nationalities, different genders and different ages’, according to local reports (AP)
Investigators say the victims are ‘different nationalities, different genders and different ages’, according to local reports (AP)

Fiancee of victim tells of devastating last video call with him after he'd been shot

Thursday 6 February 2025 19:49 , Tara Cobham

The fiancee of one of the shooting victims has revealed the devastating last video call she had with him after he had been shot when he told her he loved her.

Speaking through tears, Kareen Elia, 24, reportedly described the moment her fiancee Salim Iskef, 29, phoned her from the Swedish school as he lay dying, with blood visible on his hand and someone seen lying still next to him.

The 24-year-old told Swedish broadcaster STV, according to the Guardian: “He called me and said, ‘I’ve been shot, they shot us.’ He said he loves me and that’s the last thing I heard.”

The couple had been planning to get married on 25 July and had already booked the venue, and Ms Elia had already tried on her wedding dress.

She told the broadcaster: “I still want to believe that he might come home. We can’t sleep, we stand by the window waiting for him to come home. No one wants to believe that he is dead. If he is not alive, we just want to see his body.”

Bosnian citizen killed and one wounded in shooting, embassy says

Thursday 6 February 2025 14:05 , Alex Croft

A Bosnian citizen is one of those killed in the mass shooting in Örebro, the country’s foreign ministry has announced.

Another Bosnian citizen was wounded in the attack, it added.

In a post on X, the ministry said its embassy in Sweden had been told the news by family members of the victims - although there was no official confirmation from Sweden.

First victim named as Syrian refugee Salim Iskef

Thursday 6 February 2025 13:54 , Alex Croft

The first victim of the Sweden school massacre has been named as Syrian refugee Salim Iskef.

The 29-year-old spoke with his fiancee over the phone after he had been shot, and asked her to take care of his mother, Swedish outlet Alkompis reported.

An Orthodox Christian, Mr Iskef fled the war in Syria in 2015 before arriving in Sweden, where he became a citizen.

He trained in healthcare, had recently bought a house and was due to be married in June, the outlet reported.

It comes after the Syrian embassy to Stockholm confirmed that the country’s citizens were among those killed.

“He was a very kind person. He had no problems with anyone. He just wanted to finish his studies. And now he’s gone... I can’t believe it. Is this for real?” his aunt Nadia Deeb told the Swedish outlet.