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.
Syrian refugee Salim Iskef, 29, an Orthodox Christian who fled the war in Syria in 2015, has been identified as the first victim, with his aunt telling local media her nephew was a “very kind person” who “just wanted to finish his studies”.
He was killed when suspected 35-year-old gunman Rickard Andersson, named in Swedish reports, slaughtered 10 students at Risbergska School in Örebro on Tuesday before turning the gun on himself, police believe.
Swedish Police said the around 130 officers who arrived at the scene described facing “an inferno”, with dead and injured people seen among smoke as screams rang out, and 10 magazines found.
Investigators said on Thursday the victims are “different nationalities, different genders and different ages”, according to Expressen.
No victims have been officially named by Swedish police, but Syrian and Bosnian authorities confirmed their citizens were among the dead.
Key Points
- Swedish Police not ruling out possibility school shooting was racially motivated
- First victim named as Syrian refugee Salim Iskef
- 'Destroyed' fiancee last heard from Salim Iskef when he was shot and called to tell her he loved her
- Bosnian citizen killed and one wounded in shooting, embassy says
- Police probe whether suspect was student at school where shooting happened
- 'An inferno, screams and smoke' – what police saw on the scene
- Suspect Rickard Andersson had 'limited contact with family for years'
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.
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.
'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
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.”
Police probe whether suspect was student at school where shooting happened
Thursday 6 February 2025 19:36
,
Tara Cobham
Swedish Police have revealed they are probing reports that the shooting suspect had been a student at the shooting where the attack happened.
In a statement, the force said: “There is information that he has been a student at the school and we will look deeper into that.”
Officers found three guns, 10 empty magazines and large amount of unused ammunition at scene
Thursday 6 February 2025 19:34
,
Tara Cobham
Officers found three guns, 10 empty magazines and a large amount of unused ammunition at the scene.
Swedish Police said three of the four weapons that the suspected shooter had gun licences for were discovered next to his dead body inside the school, alongside the unused ammunition.
The force added that 10 empty magazines were found at the scene, while it was established that a rifle-like weapon had been used to fire shots.
Around 130 officers faced 'an inferno' with dead seen among smoke as screams rang out
Thursday 6 February 2025 19:09
The 130 police officers who arrived at the scene of the school shooting described facing “an inferno”, with dead and injured people seen among smoke as screams rang out.
Swedish Police said around 130 police officers ended up being sent to Campus Risbergska and the surrounding area in response to several alarms on Tuesday.
Lars Wirén, police area manager in Örebro, said: “The police who came to the scene talk about what could be described as an inferno. They were met by dead and injured people, screams and smoke.”
Aunt of Syrian refugee who was among shooting victims describes him as a 'very kind and good person'
Thursday 6 February 2025 19:00
,
Tara Cobham
The aunt of a Syrian refugee who was among the shooting victims has described him as a “very kind and good person”.
Speaking of her nephew Salim Iskef, 29, Nadia Reeb told Swedish publication Aftonbladet: “He was very kind, he was happy, social and a good person... He always helped his mother and his sister.”
Ms Reeb added that Mr Iskef had bought a house with his fiancée and the pair were planning to get married this summer.
Final heartbreaking phone call school shooting victim made to mother during attack revealed
Thursday 6 February 2025 18:15
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.”
Victim Salim Iskef's friend tells of love for man who was like his brother
Thursday 6 February 2025 17:42
,
Tara Cobham
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 refugee among shooting victims is described as a 'hero'
Thursday 6 February 2025 17:11
,
Tara Cobham
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.”
Full story: Who are the Sweden shooting victims
Thursday 6 February 2025 17:00
,
Tara Cobham
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.
My colleague Alex Croft reports on everything we know about the victims of the attack:
Watch: Sweden shooting witness recalls chaotic, bloody aftermath of violence
Thursday 6 February 2025 16:42
,
Alex Croft
Orebro in shock after worst mass shooting in Sweden’s history
Thursday 6 February 2025 16:21
,
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
Thursday 6 February 2025 16:00
,
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
Thursday 6 February 2025 15:41
,
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
Thursday 6 February 2025 15:28
,
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
Thursday 6 February 2025 14:56
,
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
Thursday 6 February 2025 14:38
,
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
Thursday 6 February 2025 14:19
,
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
Thursday 6 February 2025 14:15
,
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
Thursday 6 February 2025 14:15
,
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
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.
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
Thursday 6 February 2025 13:57
,
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
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.
Swedish King says Sweden is 'standing behind' families of school shooting victims
Thursday 6 February 2025 13:20
,
Alex Croft
Who was the Sweden school shooting suspect accused of killing 10 people?
Thursday 6 February 2025 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
Thursday 6 February 2025 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
Thursday 6 February 2025 12:21
,
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
Thursday 6 February 2025 12:01
,
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
Thursday 6 February 2025 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?
Thursday 6 February 2025 11:22
,
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
Thursday 6 February 2025 10:54
,
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
Thursday 6 February 2025 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
Thursday 6 February 2025 10:23
,
Alex Croft
Press conference key details - summary
Thursday 6 February 2025 10:06
,
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
Thursday 6 February 2025 09:34
,
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
Thursday 6 February 2025 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
Thursday 6 February 2025 09:30
