World
Örebro Risbergska School shooting suspect identified as 35-year-old Rickard Andersson
ÖREBRO, SWEDEN — The suspect in Sweden’s worst mass shooting, which left ten people dead at Campus Risbergska in Örebro, has been identified as 35-year-old Rickard Andersson.
Authorities confirmed that Andersson took his own life shortly after the attack.
Details about Andersson’s background are beginning to emerge as investigators search for answers to the central question: Why?
According to a close family member, Andersson showed signs of withdrawal during his final years in elementary school.
Classmates reportedly nicknamed him “Luvan” due to his habit of frequently wearing a hood and covering his face with his hand.
“He didn’t seem to have any friends at all,” the relative said, reflecting on Andersson’s isolated adult life.
On Tuesday, Andersson is believed to have entered Campus Risbergska, an adult education center in Örebro, and opened fire, resulting in ten fatalities.
After carrying out the attack, he is suspected of having turned the gun on himself, ending his own life.
Campus Risbergska serves a diverse student population, including many adult learners and immigrants, offering courses in vocational training, Swedish language instruction, and programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Swedish authorities have launched an extensive investigation to uncover Andersson’s motives, which remain unclear.
Officials have not disclosed whether he had any connection to the school or the victims.
“This is a dark day for Sweden,” said Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, who described the massacre as an unprecedented act of violence in the country’s history.
Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer confirmed that Andersson was not known to police prior to the attack, and investigators are working to determine whether he acted alone or had any affiliations that might have influenced the shooting.
The shooting has left the Örebro community—and the entire nation—in shock. Memorials and vigils are being organized, as grief-stricken families, friends, and classmates mourn the lives lost in the tragedy.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the case to come forward as they continue to piece together the timeline of events leading up to the attack. Additional updates will be provided as the investigation develops.
ÖREBRO, SWEDEN – A tragic mass shooting at an adult education center in Örebro has left approximately 10 people dead, including the suspected gunman, marking the deadliest mass shooting in Swedish history, according to authorities.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, speaking at a joint press conference with Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer, condemned the attack, describing it as an act of “brutal, deadly violence against completely innocent people.”
Multiple dead in School Shooting at Risbergska Skolan in Örebro, Sweden. Authorities have confirmed that five individuals were killed in the shooting. Graphic footage, reportedly filmed by a student, allegedly shows bodies being carried out of the schoolhttps://t.co/RJ51BJc12V pic.twitter.com/dnKklzcHlE— News Channel3 Now (@newschannel3now) February 4, 2025
“It is difficult to comprehend the extent of what has happened today. A dark shadow has fallen over Sweden tonight,” Kristersson stated from Stockholm. “With bottomless sadness, we have received confirmation from the police that around ten people have been killed and several others injured in this senseless school shooting in Örebro. What must not happen has now also happened in Sweden.”
The shooting occurred at Campus Risbergska, an adult education center that offers courses for students over the age of 20, including primary and secondary education, Swedish language classes for immigrants, vocational training, and programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
The gunman reportedly opened fire around 12:30 p.m. local time on the outskirts of Örebro, approximately 200 kilometers west of Stockholm.
The attack took place shortly after many students had left the campus following a national exam. Those remaining sheltered in nearby buildings while others were quickly evacuated.
Emergency services responded swiftly, with police vehicles, ambulances, and a helicopter deployed to the scene.
Authorities confirmed that the suspected shooter is among the deceased, and preliminary investigations suggest he acted alone.
Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer confirmed that an investigation has been launched to determine the motive behind the attack.
“The person currently identified as the primary perpetrator is deceased. This individual was not previously known to law enforcement,” Strömmer said. “Of course, we seek to understand why this happened. What motives could have driven such an atrocity? These answers will emerge as the investigation progresses.”
Roberto Eid Forest, head of the local police, acknowledged the extensive damage at the crime scene, noting that it has made it challenging to confirm the exact number of victims.
Police have also conducted a search of the suspect’s residence, though details about any findings have not been disclosed.
At this time, there are no suspected links to terrorism, and authorities have not provided information regarding a potential motive.
The shooting has shocked a country where such incidents are rare.
Prime Minister Kristersson urged the nation to stand together in the face of the tragedy:
“Sweden grieves tonight. Our hearts are with the victims, their families, and all those affected by this unimaginable violence.”
Authorities are working to identify the deceased, and the investigation remains ongoing.