Sweden is in shock after a deadly shooting at a school in Örebro, which has become the country’s worst mass shooting. The attack happened on Tuesday at an adult learning center, where a gunman killed ten students before taking his own life. Many victims were from immigrant backgrounds, including 29-year-old Salim Iskef, a Syrian refugee who came to Sweden after losing his father in the war.
The shooting has left the immigrant community feeling unsafe. Jacob Kasselia, a Syrian Orthodox priest who knew Iskef, described him as a kind and helpful person. “He was simply a good man,” Kasselia said. Iskef was engaged and planned to marry soon, but now his fiancée, Kareen Elia, is heartbroken.
The attack has raised concerns, especially since police have not shared much information about the gunman or his motive. Swedish media identified him as 35-year-old Rickard Andersson, but authorities have not confirmed this. At first, police said there was no ideological motive, but later, investigators said they were still looking into different possibilities.
Survivors of the attack, like Nour Afram, are struggling to process what happened. She was inside the school when she heard gunshots. “At first, I thought it was a joke,” she said. “Then I ran as I heard more shots.” Many immigrants in Örebro now fear for their safety, with some teachers and students taking extra precautions.
The attack has also caused debates about racism and anti-immigrant rhetoric in Sweden. Researcher Tomas Poletti Lundström pointed out that the political climate has become more hostile toward immigrants. “This is what happens when politicians use divisive language,” he said.