On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, a mass shooting broke out at an adult education center in Orebro, Sweden. Dubbed “the worst mass shooting in Swedish history” by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, this shooting took the lives of at least 11 people, including the suspected shooter, and severely injured 5 others. Some people confess that they have never seen a shooting of that magnitude ever in Sweden–ruling mass shootings to be uncommon.
The motive of the shooter is uncertain.
The victims of the attack were left scarred, emotionally, and some physically. That experience left them with only fear, grief, and shock. Many students were afraid they were never going to see their family again, and many had no choice but to wish the shooter never approached them. The Orebro community now has to double down on security and live in fear.
Swedish gun restrictions are heavy, leaving it difficult to use guns for illegal motives. Gun users must obtain a weapon license and demonstrate their purpose for the weapon. Additionally, they must have appropriate storage for guns.
While the police involved have attempted to keep the victims’ personal information private, Syrian priest Jacob Kasselia brought to light the story of Salim Karim Iskaf. The 29-year-old victim whose family escaped from Aleppo, Syria due to the almost 15-year-long ongoing Syrian Civil War. While he and his family successfully made it to Sweden, his father died in the conflict.
Fr. Kasselia denied questioning police officers that this shooting wasn’t some random occurrence but a manifestation of deep-seated hatred. The victims were mostly of Syrian and Bosnian descent. A wave of refugees came from the conflict in the Middle East to Sweden and formed a little community in that area.
Iskef was trying to learn Swedish and become part of his new community, but as a foreigner, not all people have been the most welcoming. Regardless, Iskef enrolled in Risbergska. According to the people in his congregation, he was always a good man.
