A Syrian refugee is the first named victim of the horror mass shooting in Sweden on Wednesday, Swedish media has reported.
Salim Iskef, 29, an Orthodox Christian who fled the war in Syria in 2015, was a “very kind person” who “just wanted to finish his studies”, his aunt told Alkompis.
But he was killed when suspected 35-year-old gunman Rickard Andersson, named in Swedish media, slaughtered 10 students at Risbergska School in Örebro before turning the gun on himself, police believe. His death was also confirmed by St Maria’s Church Örebro.
It comes after the Syrian embassy confirmed its citizens were among the dead, offering “sincere condolences” to the victims’ families “including dear Syrian citizens” in a post on its official Facebook page.
A Bosnian citizen is also among the dead, the country’s foreign ministry announced on X. No victims have been officially named by Swedish police.
Investigators said on Thursday the victims are “different nationalities, different genders and different ages”, according to Expressen.
It comes as details continue to emerge about Andersson, an unemployed recluse with four gun licences, who changed into green military gear in a school toilet before carrying out the massacre according to Swedish media.
Key Points
- Bosnian citizen killed and one wounded in shooting, embassy says
- First victim named as Syrian refugee Salim Iskef
- 'An inferno, screams and smoke' – what police saw on the scene
- Shooter was connected to the school where he opened fire, police say
- Elon Musk shares misinformation on Sweden shooting response
- Suspect Rickard Andersson had 'limited contact with family for years'
Watch: Sweden shooting witness recalls chaotic, bloody aftermath of violence
16:42
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Alex Croft
Orebro in shock after worst mass shooting in Sweden’s history
16:21
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Alex Croft
The morning after the attack, Orebro was still in shock over the worst mass murder in Swedish history.
"That it could happen in Orebro, that was totally unexpected," mayor John Johansson told broadcaster SVT.
"I understand that children, our youth, are very afraid today. So am I."
Police said they did not see any general threat against schools or pre-schools in the country, nor against adult education schools, including Swedish classes for immigrants.
Sweden has been struggling with a wave of shootings and bombings caused by an endemic gang crime problem that has seen the country of 10 million people record by far the highest per capita rate of gun violence in the European Union in recent years.
However, fatal attacks at schools are rare.
Ten people were killed in seven incidents of deadly violence at schools between 2010 and 2022, according to the Swedish National Council for Crime Prevention.
Elon Musk slammed for sharing lies about the response to Sweden school shooting
16:00
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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.
Read the full report:
'You should leave Europe' heard in victim's footage
15:41
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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.”
Victims and perpetrator to be officially identified tomorrow, says official
15:28
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Alex Croft
All 10 victims and the perpetrator will likely be officially identified tomorrow, according to Lars Bröms, who is leading the ID process.
There was a breakthrough today in the identification of the bodies, Mr Bröms told Mitt i Stockholm.
The relatives are expected to receive a death certificate, the outlet reports.
Sweden international team will hold minute's silence
14:56
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Alex Croft
Sweden’s international football team will hold a minute’s silence in honour of the victims of the Örebro shooting.
"We also wish that all clubs around the country begin their upcoming matches over the weekend with a minute's silence,” the Swedish Football Association wrote in a statement according to SVT.
“For those who have the opportunity, we also encourage them to wear mourning bands.”
Two remain in intensive care on Thursday - local authorities
14:38
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Alex Croft
Two people injured in Tuesday’s mass shooting remained in intensive care on Thursday, local authorities announced.
They are in a serious but stable condition.
Another three people with gunshot wounds are in a stable condition after they were operated.
Everything we know on Thursday
14:19
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Alex Croft
As the identities of those killed in the mass shooting in Örebro begin to emerge, here is a brief summary everything we’ve learnt in the past day about the Sweden school shooting:
- Ten people were killed at Risbergska school by suspected gunman Rickard Andersson, named by Swedish media, who afterwards turned the gun on himself.
- Around 130 police were dispatched to the scene after the emergency call at 12:33pm on Tuesday. The first responders arrived five minutes after the call.
- They arrived at a scene of chaos. Police described an “inferno” with “dead people and injured people, screams and smoke”. The smoke is believed to have come from a pyrotechnic.
- The suspected perpetrator was found dead, with multiple weapons and lots of ammunition, police said on Thursday. His home was raided by police who are investigating the motive.
- Andersson, the reported suspect, is a 35-year-old unemployed recluse who had little contact with the outside world. He was reportedly previously enrolled in classes at the adult educational centre.
- Salim Iskef, 29, an Orthodox Christian who fled the war in Syria in 2015, is the first named victim, according to Swedish media. Police have yet to officially identify anyone.
- The Bosnian embassy has announced that one of its citizens was killed, and another injured.
Medical tests and interviews being carried out to identify the victims
14:15
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Alex Croft
Forensic medical experts are currently working at identifying the bodies of those killed in Tuesday’s mass shooting.
Lars Bröms, leading operations to identify the deceased, said on Wednesday that he hoped the identities would be revealed within 48 hours.
Interviews will also be conducted with the relatives of missing people, Mr Bröms added.
“There we ask an incredible number of questions about the missing person. We also take comparative DNA from the mother, father, siblings or children, if we need to make comparisons with DNA taken in connection with the autopsy,” he said according to Expressen.
“Anything else we can get from relatives in the form of a description of the body, tattoos, jewelry and clothing will help this process go a little faster,” he added.
Medical tests and interviews being carried out to identify the victims
14:15
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Alex Croft
Forensic medical experts are currently working at identifying the bodies of those killed in Tuesday’s mass shooting.
Lars Bröms, leading operations to identify the deceased, said on Tuesday that he hoped the identities would be revealed within 48 hours.
Interviews will also be conducted with the relatives of missing people, Mr Bröms added.
“There we ask an incredible number of questions about the missing person. We also take comparative DNA from the mother, father, siblings or children, if we need to make comparisons with DNA taken in connection with the autopsy,” he said according to Expressen.
“Anything else we can get from relatives in the form of a description of the body, tattoos, jewelry and clothing will help this process go a little faster,” he added.
Bosnian citizen killed and one wounded in shooting, embassy says
14:05
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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.
Ministarstvo vanjskih poslova Bosne i Hercegovine je obaviješteno od strane Ambasade Bosne i Hercegovine u Štokholmu da je jedna državljanka BiH poginula, dok je jedan državljanin naše zemlje ranjen u masovnoj pucnjavi, koja se dogodila 4. februara 2025. godine u švedskom gradu…
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs of BiH (@mfa_bih) February 6, 2025
Pope Francis mourns victims of deadly mass shooting
13:57
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Alex Croft
Pope Francis said he was “deeply saddened” by the deadly mass shooting in a Swedish school.
Mourning the victims of the deadly mass shooting, he sent “assurance of his spiritual closeness to all affected by this traumatic incident".
The pontiff “offers prayers for the repose of the souls of those who have died,” as well as “consolation of their grieving families and friends, and for the speedy recovery of the injured” in the 4 February attack, read a 5 February telegram signed by Vatican’s secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
First victim named as Syrian refugee Salim Iskef
13:54
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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.
Swedish King says Sweden is 'standing behind' families of school shooting victims
13:20
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Alex Croft
Who was the Sweden school shooting suspect accused of killing 10 people?
12:59
,
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, 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.
No Indonesians involved in Orebro school shooting, says ambassador
12:38
,
Namita Singh
Indonesia's ambassador to Sweden and Latvia, Kamapradipta Isnomo, has confirmed that no Indonesian citizens were involved in the mass shooting at a school in Orebro, Sweden.
The Indonesian Embassy swiftly contacted numerous nationals residing in Örebro to confirm their safety after the tragic event.
"The Indonesian Embassy has communicated with around 20 of our citizens in Orebro. The result of that communication is that they are all fine,” Ambassador Kamapradipta said, according to Antara.
Two Indonesian students attending Risbergska Campus were not at the school during the incident, as their classes are held from Wednesday to Friday. Other Indonesian nationals in the area live about 15–20 minutes away from the scene.
“Indonesians living near the site have expressed fear following the shooting. Local police have advised them to stay indoors for now,” the ambassador said.
'I have no words', survivor writes on Instagram
12:21
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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 Tuesday, 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.”
Still in emergency phase, says municipal director
12:01
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Alex Croft
Örebro is still in an emergency phase following the shooting, municipal director Peter Larsson told a press conference.
Risbergska School will remain closed until further notice, it was confirmed at the press conference.
Other schools in the area are remaining open, as authorities do not see any threat. Education officials are remaining in contact with police about school safety.
Elon Musk slammed for sharing lies about the response to Sweden school shooting
11:41
,
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.
Read the full report:
What are the rules behind owning guns in Sweden?
11:22
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Alex Croft
Police have not confirmed what kind of firearm the shooter used.
Although it is possible to own firearms legally, gun violence is rare in Sweden.
Applicants must have a weapons licence and show the gun will be used for an acceptable purpose, such as hunting or target shooting.
Previously obtained hunting or target shooting certificates must be obtained - hunting certificates require people to pass a training course while target shooters must be certified as active members of clubs.
Fully automatic or one-handed weapon licences are only granted in exceptional circumstances, and are usually time-limited.
Gun permits can be revoked if the weapon is modified to be significantly different from its original function.
'An inferno, screams and smoke' - what police saw on the scene
10:54
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Alex Croft
The first responders who arrived on the scene of the Örebro school shooting arrived at a scene of chaos and devastation.
Police arrived five minutes after a 12:33pm emergency call. Around 130 officers were on the scene in total.
“The police who arrived at the scene have spoken about what could be described as an inferno ... dead people and injured people, screams and smoke," Orebro police chief Lars Wiren said in a Thursday morning press conference.
"After approximately one hour, the acute operation was over when the suspected perpetrator was found dead with several weapons near him," Mr Wiren added.
The smoke was caused by "some sort of pyrotechnics” and forced six officers to seek medical attention after inhalation.
Shooter was connected to the school where he opened fire, police say
10:31
,
Alex Croft
The gunman behind the mass shooting was connected to the adult education centre where he killed 10, police said on Thursday.
He opened fire with at least one rifle-like weapon, authorities said, without officially identifying the gunman.
The shooter may have attended Risbergska school, where the massacre was carried out, officials added.
The school offers primary and secondary eductional classes for adults aged 20 and older. It offers Swedish-language classes for immigrants, vocational training, and programs for those with intellectual disabilities.
Pictured: Swedish government holds one minute's silence for victims of mass shooting
10:23
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Alex Croft
Press conference key details - summary
10:06
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Alex Croft
Here are the key takeaways from the press conference held by Swedish authorities on Thursday morning.
- Police arrived on the scene five minutes after being called at 12:33pm. A total of 130 officers were dispatched to the scene.
- The operation ended after one hour when the perpetrator was found dead with several weapons.
- Three weapons and large amounts of ammunition were found on the shooter.
- Police believe they are”sure” who the shooter is - but have not yet named them publicly.
- Investigations into the motive continue, including the seizure of electronics in house searches. But police are “not ready to give any detailed answers”.
Three weapons found next to the shooter - press conference
09:34
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Alex Croft
Police investigators believe they are “sure who the perpetrator is”, Anna Bergqvist said, adding that three weapons were found next to him.
“He has a weapons license for four weapons. Three of those weapons were next to him when he was secured inside the building,” she added according to Expressen.
Phones and other technology have been seized in house searches, police added.
“Our goal is to give relatives and the public an answer to why and how this could have happened, Bergqvist added.
Investigations into motive continue
09:30
,
Alex Croft
Investigations into the motives behind the Sweden attack continue, police have said.
But officers are “not ready to give any detailed answers”.
Police are questioning students and teachers at school, they told the press conference according to Aftonbladet.
“We need trust and patience in what we do,” they added, calling for anyone with films and pictures to get in touch.
In pictures: Police stand guard near memorial as people pay respects
09:30
,
Alex Croft
Syrian citizens among the victims - report
09:28
,
Alex Croft
Syrian citizens are among those killed in the Sweden shooting, according to a report.
This was confirmed by the Syrian embassy, Alkompis reported.
A Facebook account appearing to represent the Syrian embassy to Stockholm extended its “sincere condolences” to the victims “including dear Syrian citizens”.
Full picture of what happened is emerging, police say in press conference
09:23
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Alex Croft
A picture of what happened in Örebro on Wednesday is beginning to emerge, police chief Lars Wirén said.
Police arrived on the scene five minutes after being called at 12:33pm. A total of 130 officers were dispatched to the scene, he added according to Aftonbladet.
Police believe the perpetrator was walking towards them at one point.
After one hour, the emergency operation was complete when the perpetrator was found dead with several weapons.
Significant amounts of unused ammunition was found on the shooter. Police believe shots were being at them, and no longer at students by the time they arrived.
Who was the Sweden school shooting suspect accused of killing 10 people?
09:14
,
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, 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.
Watch live: Police give update on Sweden school shooting as new details about suspect emerge
09:03
,
Alex Croft
Watch live as police in Sweden hold a press conference on Thursday (6 February) following a deadly shooting at a school campus in Örebro.
Press conference due to start at 9am GMT
08:57
,
Alex Croft
Swedish police are due to hold a press conference at 10am local time (9am GMT).
We’ll bring you all the latest updates.
Top priority is identifying the dead - police
08:54
,
Alex Croft
Identifying the dead will be the top priority for Swedish police on Thursday.
More than 100 interviews have been held with witnesses, spokesperson Sophia Jiglind said according to Swedish outlet Aftonbladet.
“It's a big school. 17,500 square meters. There we secure and document biological traces,” she added.
X thread exposes extent lie shared by Elon Musk
08:39
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Alex Croft
An X user has compiled screenshots disproving the lie shared by Elon Musk on X.
Musk reposted a claim by right wing account Inevitable West that “no European politician” had mentioned the Sweden school massacre, and accusations of silence from the legacy media.
The "silent" legacy media on the deadly school shooting in Sweden in action. pic.twitter.com/iCBrcK3M05
— Shayan Sardarizadeh (@Shayan86) February 5, 2025
Hero janitor shot by gunman as he ran to help woman
08:15
,
Alex Croft
A hero janitor has been commended for running towards the school entrance to help a woman who had been shot by the gunman, Swedish media is reporting.
Adnan Imsirovic heard the gunman approach as he helped the injured women at the Campus Risbergska in Örebro, his brother-in-law, Abdullah Huskic, told SVT.
“He ran to hide but was shot in both shoulders,” Mr Huskic added.
Mr Imsirovic has gone through two surgeries and is still being treated.
Elon Musk shares lie about Sweden shooting response
07:54
,
Alex Croft
A post shared by Elon Musk has been criticised for misinformation by the billionaire’s very own ‘community notes’ feature on X.
The right wing account Inevitable West claimed that “no European politician” had mentioned the Sweden school massacre and that the legacy media had been “silent”.
Mr Musk shared the tweet and added two exclamation marks in the replies - but the community notes feature which he introduced after buying the site in 2022 has pulled the tweet up as misinformation.
“Many legacy media outlets from around the world have covered the Sweden shooting. Additionally, European politicians have mentioned it, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, whose response is highlighted in the Le Monde article,” the post reads.
The leaders of Ukraine, Canada, France, Latvia, Hungary, and the EU Commission are among those to have spoken out about the atrocity.
You’d be forgiven for not knowing there was a school massacre in Sweden yesterday which killed 10 people.
— Inevitable West (@Inevitablewest) February 5, 2025
No European politician has mentioned it. The legacy media, as always, is silent.
Is this the new normal for Europe?
No Indonesians involved in Orebro school shooting, says ambassador
07:37
,
Namita Singh
Indonesia's ambassador to Sweden and Latvia, Kamapradipta Isnomo, has confirmed that no Indonesian citizens were involved in the mass shooting at a school in Orebro, Sweden.
The Indonesian Embassy swiftly contacted numerous nationals residing in Örebro to confirm their safety after the tragic event.
"The Indonesian Embassy has communicated with around 20 of our citizens in Orebro. The result of that communication is that they are all fine,” Ambassador Kamapradipta said, according to Antara.
Two Indonesian students attending Risbergska Campus were not at the school during the incident, as their classes are held from Wednesday to Friday. Other Indonesian nationals in the area live about 15–20 minutes away from the scene.
“Indonesians living near the site have expressed fear following the shooting. Local police have advised them to stay indoors for now,” the ambassador said.
At least six wounded in mass shooting
07:02
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Namita Singh
At least six people – four women and two men – were wounded in the mass shooting in Sweden and required hospital treatment, according to officials.
Five of the six required surgery for gunshot wounds and remained in a serious but stable condition, regional authorities said.
Another woman was treated for minor injuries, BBC News reported.
Full details around the exact number of those dead and wounded in the attack have not been confirmed by police.
Who are the victims, and what do we know about the school?
06:36
,
Namita Singh
Campus Risbergska caters to students over the age of 20, according to its website.
The institution provides primary and upper secondary education, Swedish language courses for immigrants, vocational training, and specialised programmes for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
A significant number of students in Sweden’s adult education system are immigrants aiming to enhance their academic qualifications and obtain degrees that improve their employment prospects while also learning Swedish.
Authorities have not released details regarding the identities or ages of the victims, nor have they confirmed whether those killed were students or staff members.
Pope Francis mourns victims of deadly mass shooting
06:29
,
Namita Singh
Pope Francis said he was “deeply saddened” by the deadly mass shooting in a Swedish school.
Mourning the victims of the deadly mass shooting, he sent “assurance of his spiritual closeness to all affected by this traumatic incident".
The pontiff “offers prayers for the repose of the souls of those who have died,” as well as “consolation of their grieving families and friends, and for the speedy recovery of the injured” in the 4 February attack, read a 5 February telegram signed by Vatican’s secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
Suspect 'had Asperger's and autism'
06:00
,
Jane Dalton
The murder suspect had Asperger's and high-functioning autism, and had major problems at school, according to Sweden’s TV4.
“From the spring semester of grade eight and throughout grade nine, he failed all subjects. He was therefore not eligible for upper secondary school and had to follow an individual program,” the channel reported.
“Rickard Andersson studied at Wadköping Education Center in Örebro. There he attended a special class for people with Asperger's and high-functioning autism, and he received mixed grades.
“He passed in aesthetic activities and history, but failed in all other subjects.
“Rickard Andersson also did not do military service, as his lack of high school grades meant that he was never called up for military service.”
The Swedish flag was flown at half-mast.
Orebro in shock after worst mass shooting in Sweden’s history
05:38
,
Namita Singh
The morning after the attack, Orebro was still in shock over the worst mass murder in Swedish history.
"That it could happen in Orebro, that was totally unexpected," mayor John Johansson told broadcaster SVT.
"I understand that children, our youth, are very afraid today. So am I."
Police said they did not see any general threat against schools or pre-schools in the country, nor against adult education schools, including Swedish classes for immigrants.
Sweden has been struggling with a wave of shootings and bombings caused by an endemic gang crime problem that has seen the country of 10 million people record by far the highest per capita rate of gun violence in the European Union in recent years.
However, fatal attacks at schools are rare.
Ten people were killed in seven incidents of deadly violence at schools between 2010 and 2022, according to the Swedish National Council for Crime Prevention.
In pictures: Mourners pay tribute to the victims of Orebro school shooting
05:32
,
Namita Singh