In a tragic incident that has shaken Sweden, a mass shooting at an adult education center in Örebro resulted in the deaths of ten individuals, including 28-year-old Salim Karim Iskef, who was studying to become a nurse. The attack occurred on Tuesday, and the gunman, who has not been officially identified, reportedly opened fire with a rifle-like weapon before being found dead at the scene alongside multiple firearms and a significant amount of ammunition.
Iskef’s final moments were spent in a video call with his fiancée, Kareen Alia, where he expressed his love and urged her to take care of herself and his mother. After the call ended, Alia attempted to reach him again but received no response. She later learned of his death, which has left his family and community in deep mourning. The couple had recently purchased a home and were planning their wedding for the upcoming summer.
Father Jacob Kasselia, a priest at their local Orthodox Christian church, reflected on the loss, stating, "He had all of these dreams in his heart. Now, unfortunately, all of these dreams are gone. Their light has been put out." Iskef’s family fled Syria during its civil war and had settled in Sweden, where he had been pursuing a career in healthcare after serving as a healthcare worker during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The shooting took place at Campus Risbergska, an institution that provides educational programs for adults, including vocational training and Swedish-language classes for immigrants. Eyewitnesses reported hearing gunshots, and police arrived to find multiple victims with serious injuries. Five individuals were critically wounded, while others sustained minor injuries. Authorities confirmed that the shooter acted alone and that there were no indications of a terrorist motive.
In the aftermath, the community of Örebro, which has a population of approximately 160,000, is grappling with shock and grief. John Johansson, chairman of the town’s municipal board, described the emotional toll of the incident, stating, "It has been two days of shock and grief. We are still asking questions of why, still wondering what has happened."
As the investigation continues, Swedish authorities are looking into the shooter’s background, revealing that he had connections to the education center and held licenses for several firearms. The government is expected to discuss tightening gun laws, particularly regarding semi-automatic weapons, in response to this tragic event.
In a rare occurrence for Sweden, where mass shootings are uncommon, the incident has prompted national mourning. King Carl XVI Gustaf, Queen Silvia, and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson attended a memorial service in Örebro, underscoring the profound impact of the tragedy on the nation. The Swedish Football Association announced that future international matches will begin with a moment of silence to honor the victims.
As the community mourns, Iskef’s sister, Hanan Eskif, expressed her heartbreak, stating, "My whole life was with him, how am I supposed to live without him?" The family has held a memorial service at their church as they await the return of Iskef’s body, reflecting the deep sense of loss felt not only by his loved ones but by the entire community.