Coptic Orthodox Church and Al-Azhar al-Sharif Foundation condemn mass shooting attack in Örebro, Sweden

ÖREBRO, Sweden — The Coptic Orthodox Church and Al-Azhar al-Sharif strongly condemned the recent attack in Örebro, Sweden, which claimed the lives of 11 people.

In a statement issued by the Coptic Orthodox Archdiocese of Scandinavia, Bishop Anba Abakir expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident at Risbergska School in Örebro. He emphasized that the attack represents not just the loss of lives but also a profound wound in the fabric of Swedish society, which has long been known for its peaceful coexistence.

“I pray for the victims and the injured,” Anba Abakir stated, urging unity and collaboration to combat violence and foster peace.

Al-Azhar al-Sharif, an Islamic scientific body and the largest religious institution in Egypt,  also issued a statement condemning the attack as a “terrorist act.” The institution highlighted the rising threat of right-wing extremism and white nationalism in Europe and the United States, calling these trends a global danger that requires urgent international action.

Al-Azhar al-Shaif further criticized media platforms for their lack of objectivity in covering such crimes, warning against biases that justify certain attacks as isolated acts while vilifying others.

Both statements underscored the necessity of collective efforts to confront extremism in all its forms. They called for the promotion of tolerance, coexistence, and collaboration to ensure peaceful societies.