Latest news with #RisbergskaSchool
Straits Times
16-05-2025
- Straits Times
Swedish police found no racist or radical motives in February school shooting
FILE PHOTO: Police officers gather for a national minute of silence for the victims of the Risbergska School shooting that took place on February 4, at a memorial site in Orebro, Sweden, February 11, 2025. TT News Agency/Jessica Gow via REUTERS/File Photo STOCKHOLM - Swedish police have found nothing to indicate that the gunman in the country's deadliest mass shooting, at an adult school in February, had racist or radical views, investigators said on Friday. The perpetrator, named by police as Rickard Andersson, shot dead ten students and teachers at the Campus Risbergska school in the city of Orebro before killing himself in the mass shooting on February 4. The 35-year-old Andersson, a former student at the school, was described by police as a recluse who owned four licensed firearms. "The motive that we see is his desire to take his own life," police Commander Henrik Dahlstrom said in a statement, adding that Andersson had probably picked the Campus Risbergska location because of his affiliation with the school. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
The Independent
11-02-2025
- The Independent
How Sweden's worst mass shooting unfolded at a small town school - and why police have ‘no clear motive' one week on
'Mom, take care of yourself. And take care of my girl too,' said Salim Iskef. Amid a cacophony of alarms, screams and gunfire, the 28-year-old uttered the final words to his fiancee and mother over the phone. The Syrian Christian had fled Aleppo ten years prior, seeking a life of security in Sweden. Orebro was his new home, a quiet and historic city in central Sweden some 125 miles west of Stockholm, with a population of 126,000. Last week he was among 10 killed when the suspected gunman, now officially named by the Swedish prosecutor as 35-year-old Rickard Andersson, carried out the worst gun massacre in the country's history. Wielding three guns and dressed in green military garb, he launched his deadly attack at adult education centre Risbergska School before he was found dead by police. Sweden's immigrant communities have been left on edge following the attack, with Syrians and Bosnians among the victims. However, one week on police have yet to formally name any of the victims or reveal any suspected motive. Police did confirm on Friday that they had completed the identification of all the victims, although they did not release any names. Seven women and four men between 28 and 68 years of age died in the attack, including the suspect, police said in a statement. Swedish media named father-of-two Bassam Al Sheleh, 48, as the second Syrian refugee killed. Elsa Teklay, 32, Camilla, 52, Eva-Lena, 54, Ali Mohammed Jafari, 31, and Aziza, 68 have also been named in Swedish outlets, some only with their first name. A nationwide minute's silence was held at midday on Tuesday, with thousands gathering for an emotional commemoration ceremony in Orebro as Sweden mourns a rare tragedy. However, the families of the victims are still left wanting for answers. The picture painted of Andersson is one of a social recluse with little-to-no contact with the outside world. A relative described Andersson as a 'loner' who had lost contact with his family. Shortly before 12:30pm on Tuesday, the shooter entered with guns hidden in a guitar case before he changed into military-style clothes in the toilets, according to witness accounts to Swedish outlet Aftonbladet. Two gunshots rang outside Maria Lahdo's classroom. When the third shot rang out, they knew something was wrong, and after one person froze in shock in the doorway, Maria dragged them out of the way and locked the door, she told Expressen. 'There was someone in the hallway who suddenly started pulling the door handle,' Maria recalled. 'It must have been him trying to get in. Several people had panic attacks, it was terrible.' Fearing for their lives, some students and teachers were able to escape campus to a nearby pizza restaurant. 'I thought I was going to die. But I don't want to die,' Saddam Al Rahoumi, who heard gunshots as he followed dozens of people running out of the dining room, told TV4. Mirna Essa describes the chilling moment someone pleaded for their life before they were apparently shot. 'We hear a woman saying, 'No, no, no,' three times,' she told Dagens Nyheter newspaper. 'After that we heard someone shooting. I did not know what was happening, I simply ran. It was chaos within a few seconds. It was like a movie. All you can think of is, 'Why?'' Others barricaded themselves in toilets and classrooms as chaos ensued outside. Hellen Werme, a 35-year-old nursing student and mother-of-two, heard Andersson's footsteps outside the classroom where she was hiding with fellow students. "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," she told TV4. 'I never want to go back there.' Elsewhere on the campus, first responders had reached a scene of chaos and blood. Arriving five minutes after the emergency call, they entered an 'inferno ... dead people and injured people, screams and smoke," Orebro police chief Mr Wiren said. Police believe they were shot at by Andersson. Clouded in smoke - which investigators say was caused by a pyrotechnic - and without the necessary breathing equipment, officers struggled to advance towards the shooter. By the time a response team equipped with breathing gear had arrived, the suspect was lost in the 17,000 square metre building, Dagens Nyheter wrote. Officers moved room-by-room, meticulously combing the school in what a spokesperson described as a 'dangerous and unpredictable environment', coming across bodies scattered over a large area across the campus. It would be a full hour before they found the body of the suspected shooter, surrounded by three guns and large amounts of ammunition. Traumatised witnesses of the massacre were escorted through blood-stained corridors. Police warned them of what they were about to see. 'They said there would be blood... but you really didn't understand it until you saw it with your own eyes,' Maria said. Amina, a student, recalled seeing three people lying in the hallway as she left the classroom. 'They were dead," she told the outlet. A video recorded by one of the witnesses as he hid inside a bathroom, and analysed by TV4, appears to show someone shouting 'you should leave Europe' as gunfire rings out. Mercani Sanchez, 44, heard something similar. 'He shouted something,' she told Expressen. 'It was hard to hear with all the noise but it was something like 'out, out'.' When approached by The Independent, police said they refused to rule out a racially charged motive. On Sunday, Orebro police commander Henrik Dahlstrom told reporters: "We cannot for the moment establish that a clear motive exists. We are working to see if there is one and what it might be." Sweden has never suffered such a deadly mass shooting. Despite a recent rise in gun-related homicides - increasing from 17 in 2012 to 63 in 2023 - these have largely been linked to a rise in gang crime. Following the shooting, the Swedish government has now backed plans to tighten gun laws supported by the three largest parties in the Riksdag - Sweden's parliament. Access to certain semi-automatic weapons will be restricted and rules for suitability testing will be made clearer among other changes, according to a Friday morning government press release. But for families and witnesses, this won't undo the road to recovery they face. 'I'm still in shock and haven't been able to sleep and eat very well,' survivor Marwa told TV4. 'I need to see a doctor as soon as possible, because I can't stand these thoughts.'
The Independent
07-02-2025
- The Independent
Sweden school shooting latest: Victims expected to be named as government backs tightening gun laws
'There were bloodstains, puddles and drops everywhere' - witness account Maria Lahdo, a survivor of the gun massacre, described the 'bloodbath' when she stepped out of her hiding place to be escorted out by police. Hidden with others inside a classrooms, she recalls comforting each other and phoning worried relatives as gun shots rang out in the school. 'We heard two shots, when the third came we realized something was wrong,' Ms Lahdo told Expressen. 'Another person in the room froze in shock in the doorway... I had to pull the person into the room and quickly lock it. 'There was someone in the hallway who suddenly started pulling the door handle. It must have been him trying to get in. Several people had panic attacks, it was terrible.' When police arrived and they were escorted out of the room, they were warned that there would be blood. 'But you really didn't understand it until you saw it with your own eyes,' she said. 'There were bloodstains, puddles and drops everywhere. You could see that people had been dragged in that blood. And we stepped in the blood when we ran out.' Alex Croft7 February 2025 15:23 Watch: Swedish King says Sweden is 'standing behind' families of school shooting victims Alex Croft7 February 2025 14:54 Victim Salim Iskef's friend tells of love for man who was like his brother 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. Alex Croft7 February 2025 14:31 Final heartbreaking phone call school shooting victim made to mother during attack revealed 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.' Alex Croft7 February 2025 14:10 In pictures: Mourners pay their respects Alex Croft7 February 2025 13:48 Saudi leaders extend condolences to Sweden's king after school shooting Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud offered condolences to Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf after 10 people were killed in one of the worst shooting incidents in the country. Crown prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud condemned "this criminal act, and extended his deepest condolences and sincere sympathy" to the Swedish king, families of the deceased and friendly people of Sweden, a statement read. Alex Croft7 February 2025 13:29 Sombre scenes as Swedish royals and Prime Minister visit school shooting scene Alex Croft7 February 2025 13:10 Elon Musk slammed for sharing lies about the response to Sweden school shooting 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. Posted by right wing account Inevitable West, the tweet also falsely claimed the 'legacy media, as always, is silent', despite widespread coverage of the tragedy in newspapers and on television around the world. Alex Croft7 February 2025 12:50 'You should leave Europe' heard in victim's footage 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.' Alex Croft7 February 2025 12:27 Syrian refugee among shooting victims is described as a 'hero' 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.
The Independent
07-02-2025
- The Independent
Sweden school shooting latest: Police not ruling out racist motivation as multiple nationalities among 10 killed
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. Shooting suspect lived as a recluse, his neighbour says The gunman who opened fire at an adult education centre, killing 10 people, lived as a recluse, his neighbour told CNN. The suspect has not been officially named by the police but Swedish reports confirmed his identity as 35-year-old Rickard Andersson. PJ Samuelsson, who lived next door to the suspect since May 2024, said he has never seen or heard his neighbour. 'I couldn't come up here. They said you'll have to wait a couple of hours,' Mr Samuelsson said, adding that he found the apartment block surrounded by heavily armed police when he returned on Tuesday. He said he knew 'nothing at all' about his neighbour and had only seen his name on the door. Mr Samuelsson told the broadcaster that knowing his neighbour is the suspect is 'terrible". He said it was a 'disgusting' thought that Andersson had weapons next door. Alisha Rahaman Sarkar7 February 2025 04:31 Shock and grief in Orebro where 10 were shot dead 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. Alisha Rahaman Sarkar7 February 2025 03:35 Gunman was connected to school where he opened fire, police say 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. Alisha Rahaman Sarkar7 February 2025 03:14 What is known about school where shooting happened 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. Tara Cobham7 February 2025 03:00 Mourners elsewhere in Sweden struggle to process thought of mass violence in own country 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.' Tara Cobham7 February 2025 02:00 Swedish Football Association to begin international matches with moment of silence 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. 7 February 2025 01:00 Swedish Police not ruling out possibility school shooting was racially motivated 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. Tara Cobham6 February 2025 23:38 Survivor describes Swedish school shooting as 'worst hours of my life' 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. 6 February 2025 23:29 'Destroyed' fiancee last heard from Salim Iskef when he was shot and called to tell her he loved her 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." Tara Cobham6 February 2025 22:24 Days of 'shock and grief' in Orebro 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."
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Swedish school mass killing victims included Syrians and a Bosnian
Feb. 6 (UPI) -- Syrian and Bosnian embassies confirmed Thursday that people from their countries were among the 10 people killed in Sweden's Tuesday Risbergska School shooting. Syria's Stockholm Embassy confirmed on its Facebook page that its citizens were among the dead as it condemned the attack and extended condolences to families of the victims. Bosnia's Foreign Ministry confirmed on X that a Bosnian citizen is among the dead. According to police lead investigator Anna Bergqvist people from several countries, different genders and different ages were among those killed. Responding to reporter questions, she said police are looking into whether the attack was motivated by racism. Swedish media Wednesday identified Syrian orthodox Christian Salim Iskef, 29, as one of the victims. Police have not released the identities and nationalities of all the victims. Nor have they yet officially designated Rickard Andersson as the mass murder suspect, although investigators believe he did it. Bergqvist said the suspected mass shooter killed himself. Bosnian Ambassador to Sweden Bojan Sosic told the BBC, "I find it odd, to say the least, that the police chose to withhold information that pertains to foreign citizens, from respective embassies." The Risbergska school where the shooting happened offers Swedish classes for immigrants in addition to adult education for people who didn't graduate school.
