Swedish Police Conduct Nearly 1,000 Interviews in Wake of Örebro Mass Shooting

Stockholm, 4 April 2025 – Swedish police have revealed that they have carried out close to 1,000 interviews as part of their intensive investigation into the country’s deadliest mass shooting to date. The tragic incident, which took place on 4 February at the Campus Risbergska adult education centre in the central city of Örebro, left ten people dead before the perpetrator, 35-year-old Rickard Andersson, turned the weapon on himself.

Despite two months of exhaustive efforts, investigators are still grappling with establishing a clear motive for Andersson’s actions.

In a statement released on Friday, police noted that the initial stages of the investigation were focused on collecting vast amounts of information. The current phase is more analytical, as authorities sift through the collected data in hopes of uncovering a motive or any possible accomplices.

“We are mapping the suspect’s life as thoroughly as possible to understand him, discover his motivation, and eliminate the possibility of other perpetrators,” said Henrik Dahlström, the police operation commander. “This includes examining his financial background and digital footprints, as we would in any comparable case.”

The police reiterated that while substantial progress has been made, it remains possible that the true motive behind the attack may never be fully known. Back in February, investigators had already warned the public of this grim possibility.

One area of focus has been establishing Andersson’s movements leading up to the shooting. Authorities now confirm that the perpetrator was present inside the education facility as early as 10:00 am—around two hours prior to the beginning of the shooting spree.

Profile of the Shooter:

While Andersson had no prior criminal record and legally owned four hunting rifles, his sudden and brutal actions shocked the nation and have sparked a broader debate about mental health, access to firearms, and integration.

Although police have not officially disclosed the identities of the victims, several Swedish newspapers and social media users have shared names and photographs of those killed—many of whom appear to have been of immigrant background. This revelation has ignited discussions and concern within Sweden’s immigrant communities, with some questioning whether the attack may have had xenophobic or racially motivated undertones.

Swedish authorities have urged the public to remain patient and allow the investigation to proceed without speculation, emphasising that every effort is being made to provide clarity and justice.