The horrific mass shooting at Campus Risbergska in Orebro, Sweden, on February 4, has left the immigrant community feeling particularly vulnerable, despite the unclear motives behind the attack. Rickard Andersson, a 35-year-old unemployed recluse with a hunting license, killed ten individuals before committing suicide, all of whom had foreign backgrounds.
Victims Identified:
- Salim Iskef (Syrian, 28, nursing assistant)
- Niloofar Dehbaneh (Iranian, 46, nursing assistant)
- Elsa Teklay (Eritrean, 32, nursing assistant)
- Bassam Al Sheleh (Lebanese, 48, baker)
- Ali Mohammed Jafari (31)
- Kamar (Somali, 38)
- Aziza (Kurdish, 68, math teacher)
- Three other women, including one of Bosnian origin, remain unnamed in media reports.
The attack, occurring at an adult education center known for offering Swedish language and secondary education classes, has sparked a wave of fear and reflection among immigrants in Sweden. Mirna Issa, who was attending a Swedish language class when the shooting began, expressed the shock and confusion felt by many, emphasizing that the victims were “just students.”
Community Reaction:
Community members like Margaretha, a local pensioner, speculated that racism might have been a motive, highlighting the significant immigrant population at the school. This sentiment was echoed by social worker Annie Boroian, who noted an increased sense of exclusion and fear among foreigners following the incident.
Official Response:
Police have been reticent about confirming motives, with initial statements suggesting there was no ideological motive, later clarified to include racism as one of the possibilities under investigation. Deputy Police Chief Niclas Hallgren confirmed that the ethnicity of the victims was being considered in the inquiry.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson addressed the nation, acknowledging the particular vulnerability felt by those of foreign background, emphasizing the diverse dreams of the victims who sought education to build a future.
Political and Social Context:
The shooting has also reignited debates about immigration and integration in Sweden, where political parties, including the Social Democrats and the far-right Sweden Democrats, have been advocating for reduced immigration. During a visit to Orebro, opposition leader Magdalena Andersson was urged by a bystander to speak positively about immigrants, reflecting the tense political climate.
Ongoing Investigation:
The police investigation into the shooting’s motive might extend up to a year, with Andersson’s past as a student at the same school adding layers to the tragedy. His reclusive nature, lack of recent social interaction, and absence of a criminal history have made understanding his actions more challenging.
This incident has not only claimed lives but has also left a lasting impact on Sweden’s immigrant communities, prompting a national minute of silence to honor the victims and sparking a broader discourse on integration, security, and racial tensions in the country.