Syria's embassy in Stockholm confirmed that Syrians were among the 10 victims of the tragic shooting at a school in Orebro, which is considered the deadliest shooting incident in Swedish history.
The suspected gunman, identified as 35-year-old Rickard Andersson, was killed during the attack. The police have not disclosed his identity or provided a motive for the incident.
The embassy's statement on Facebook marked the first official acknowledgment of the identities of the victims, including Syrian nationals, expressing condolences to the families affected and the Swedish community.
Authorities mentioned that individuals of various nationalities and ages were involved in the attack, as confirmed by Anna Bergkvist, the lead investigator.
One of the victims, Salim Iskef, a 29-year-old Orthodox Christian who fled Syria in 2015, was among those who tragically lost their lives. Reports mentioned that he was slated to marry in June.
In addition to Syrian victims, Bosnian citizens were affected as well, with one injured and another missing. The Bosnian ambassador conveyed condolences, recognizing Orebro's substantial Bosnian presence.
The police response to the incident was prompt, with 130 officers swiftly arriving at the school campus following the alarm. The situation was described as chaotic upon entry, with casualties, cries, and smoke pervading the vast school grounds.
Although the presence of three guns near the deceased attacker was confirmed, details on the firearms and ammunition were withheld by authorities. Investigations into the suspect's background and motives are ongoing.
Residents of Orebro had expressed concerns of a potential racial element in the attack, which was echoed in the Syrian embassy's statement indicating immigrants were impacted.
The incident raised speculations about a possible motive, with initial reports suggesting a dispute with social services might have fueled the attack, indicating a personal rather than a terrorist agenda.
Authorities refrained from prematurely labeling the incident as ideologically driven, with Bergkwist emphasizing the ongoing exploration of multiple motives until a conclusive determination is reached.