Authorities have identified the ten victims of Sweden’s deadliest mass shooting, which took place at an adult education center in the city of Orebro on Tuesday. The victims, seven women and three men, were aged between 28 and 68, police confirmed on Friday.
The attack, which shocked the nation, occurred at the Risbergska Center, a school known for its diverse student body, including many immigrants learning Swedish. Police have confirmed that the suspect, 35-year-old Rickard Andersson, took his own life at the scene following the massacre.
While police have yet to publicly release the names of the victims, families and local communities have begun sharing details. Among the deceased was Salim Isker, a 29-year-old Syrian refugee who arrived in Sweden in 2015 after fleeing the war in his home country. His fiancée, Kareen Elia, attended a memorial service alongside his grieving mother.
Another victim was Bassam Al Sheleh, a 48-year-old baker and father of two who was improving his English at the school. Swedish media have also reported that a national of Bosnia and Herzegovina was killed, while another was injured in the attack.
Jacob Kasselia, a priest at the Syrian Orthodox church attended by Isker’s family, described him as "simply a good man" who "showed only goodwill."
In response to the tragedy, Sweden's government announced plans on Friday to tighten gun laws. The center-right coalition, backed by the far-right Sweden Democrats, intends to introduce stricter vetting for gun buyers and ban certain high-powered rifles, including the AR-15.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, speaking from Latvia, stressed the need for stronger gun control, saying that Sweden must ensure only the right people have access to firearms.
Under current Swedish laws, individuals over 18 with no criminal record can apply for a firearm permit, including for semi-automatic rifles. The new proposals would introduce stricter background checks and limit access to military-style weapons.
While police have not yet determined a motive, video footage circulating in Swedish media allegedly captured the gunman making anti-immigrant remarks during the attack. Authorities have not confirmed the authenticity of the footage.
Immigrant communities in Orebro have expressed fear and vulnerability in the wake of the tragedy, with many taking extra precautions. Prime Minister Kristersson acknowledged these concerns, urging unity and expressing solidarity with the families of the victims.
Tuesday’s attack marks Sweden's first school shooting and deadliest mass shooting in history. The country, which has relatively high gun ownership for Europe, has struggled with rising gang-related violence but has rarely seen large-scale attacks of this nature.
As the nation mourns, the investigation continues, with authorities piecing together the events leading up to Sweden’s darkest day in recent history.