Swedish authorities remain uncertain about the motive behind the country’s worst mass shooting, which occurred five days ago at Campus Risbergska in Orebro, 200 km west of Stockholm.
On Tuesday, a gunman entered the educational center for young adults and opened fire, killing 10 people before reportedly taking his own life.
While police confirmed that the shooter was a former student at the school, Orebro police commander Henrik Dahlstrom stated:
“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.”
Shooter Identified as 35-Year-Old Recluse
Swedish media have identified the suspect as Rickard Andersson, a 35-year-old unemployed recluse with psychological issues.
Authorities have recovered:
- Three weapons next to his body
- A large number of shell casings
- Unused ammunition
The police believe that their swift intervention prevented the casualty count from rising further.
Victims Were of Multiple Nationalities
Among the 10 victims, there were seven women and three men, aged between 28 and 68. All lived in Orebro, but investigators confirmed they were of “multiple nationalities.”
- Syria’s embassy in Stockholm expressed condolences to two Syrian families.
- Bosnia’s foreign ministry confirmed that one of its nationals was killed, while another was injured.
Sweden in Mourning Amid Rising Fears
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, in a televised address, said:
“Sweden is a country in mourning. We are being put to the test—as individuals and as a nation.”
He also acknowledged the growing fear and concern among the population.
“They came from different parts of the world and had different dreams. They were at school to build a future that has now been taken away from them.”
Kristersson urged people not to speculate about the shooter’s motives, but emphasized:
“There is only one Sweden. Not us and them. Not young or old. Not born here or born abroad.”
Political Debate Over Possible Racial Motives
Kristersson’s right-wing government, supported by the far-right, has pursued policies advocating strict immigration controls.
Swedish public broadcaster SVT analyst Mats Knutson warned that if racial motives were found behind the attack, it could fuel a heated debate on:
- Sweden’s political rhetoric on immigration
- The rise of far-right ideologies
- National security and gun control policies
As police continue their investigation, Sweden remains on edge, grappling with the impact of one of its darkest tragedies.
