Suryoyo man Salim Karim İskef, killed in mass shooting in Sweden, managed to call family before succumbing to wounds

ÖREBRO, Sweden — Salim Karim İskef (29), one of ten victims killed by lone shooter Rickard Andersson (35) at the Risbergska School in Örebro, Sweden, on Tuesday, managed to contact family during the attack before succumbing to his injuries.

Salim’s aunt, Nadia Deeb, told Swedish outlet Alkompis that he managed to video call his mother despite his wounds: “He said he was shot, that he was in pain. He asked her to take care of his fiancée.” Salim then managed to contact his fiancée, whom he was set to marry in June, and asked her to care for his mother. These were his last words to those he loved.

A Suryoyo originally from Holeb (Aleppo), Syria, Salim fled to Sweden as a refugee in 2015. Having obtained Swedish citizenship, he was attending the Risbergska School, an adult education center, to earn qualifications in healthcare.

Sweden’s Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson, described the event as the deadliest mass shooting in the nation’s history.

“Today, we have witnessed brutal, deadly violence against completely innocent people,” Mr. Kristersson told reporters. “This is the worst mass shooting in Swedish history. Many questions remain unanswered, and I cannot provide those answers either.”

Hundreds Gather to Mourn

On Thursday, condolences were held received at the Syriac Orthodox St. Mary Church in Örebro following evening prayer.

Although Salim was a member of another Syriac Orthodox congregation, St. Mary’s received condolences on behalf of his family.

“Everyone here tonight has come to show solidarity. It is crucial to help in any way we can when something like this happens,” said coordinator Habib Dilmac.

After the ceremony, Father Jacob Kasselia conveyed a message from Salim’s relatives.

“They wish to express that they forgive the person responsible for this heinous act,” he said. “They also want to extend their thoughts to all the other families affected by this tragedy. This incident has caused so much pain to many.”

Later, at a table next to Salim’s photograph, Father Kasselia emphasized the importance of not allowing darkness to prevail.

“Let us honor Salim’s memory by spreading light and joy in his name,” he urged. “Hopelessness must not take over.”