Salim Karim İskef, Suryoyo from Syria, among victims of mass shooting in Örebro, Sweden

ÖREBRO, Sweden — At half-past noon on Tuesday, 4 February, the worst mass shooting in Swedish history unfolded inside the Risbergska School in Örebro. Swedish authorities reported that 10 people lost their lives in the incident. The average age of the victims was 35 years.

The attacker, Rickard Andersson (35), was reportedly a recluse without a job, fired at police as they arrived on the scene. He then turned the gun on himself. His body was discovered by police.

Six additional individuals were injured, with five in serious condition and one in intensive care in stable condition. Authorities noted that some of the victims were Swedish nationals of foreign origin.

Among the victims was Salim Karim İskef, a Suryoyo man from Syria. Originally from Holeb (Aleppo), Salim arrived in Sweden in 2015 as a refugee. Condolences will be received on Thursday, 6 February, after evening prayer at 17:00 at the Syriac Orthodox St. Mary Church in Örebro.

On Wednesday, Syriac Orthodox Patriarchal Vicar in Sweden Archbishop Mor Dioscorus Benjamin Ataş took part in a memorial service for the victims at St. Nicolai Church in Örebro attended by King Carl XVI Gustaf, Queen Silvia, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, and community representatives.

“In this dark moment, we stand together, in faith and hope, to overcome evil with light and love,” said Archbishop Ataş. “We pray for Sweden and for a future characterized by peace, unity and security.”

In response to the attack, Swedish prosecutor Petra Lundh described the incident as a national disaster. Prime Minister Kristersson called it one of the bloodiest days in Sweden’s modern history. He emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening security measures across the country to prevent future attacks.

Sweden has witnessed a sharp increase in violence in recent weeks, with several shootings occurring in areas such as Akalla in Stockholm and Hisingen in Gothenburg. This surge in violence has prompted authorities to heighten their security presence nationwide.