Families File Complaint Against Police Over Inadequate Response to Risbergska School Shooting

Nearly a year after the tragic mass shooting at Risbergska school in Örebro, families of the victims have lodged serious complaints against the police for their response and communication during the crisis. The shooting, which occurred on February 4, 2025, resulted in ten deaths and six injuries, including that of 28-year-old Salim Iskef and a 68-year-old teacher. Both victims were severely injured at the scene and managed to make calls for emergency help, but police officers who arrived initially retreated instead of providing immediate aid. This hesitation led to a deadly delay of approximately thirty minutes before assistance was administered, a period that could have been critical in saving lives.

Investigative journalist Frida Sundkvist, author of the book "Efter skotten," has been vocal in criticizing the police's handling of the incident. Sundkvist’s work exposes the fear and vulnerability expressed by the officers during interviews, including one officer’s concern for their own children’s safety. Her findings also reveal that police officials provided misleading information to the victims’ families, such as incorrect reports about the teacher's death timing. Families only learned the true circumstances during a police press conference, undermining trust and transparency.

In response to these issues, victims' families have filed an official complaint with the Parliamentary Ombudsman (JO), accusing the police of inadequate protection of lives, withholding important documents, and disseminating false information to both families and the public. Sundkvist stresses that these failures erode public confidence in law enforcement and highlight the urgent need for accountability in crisis response.

This development adds a crucial dimension to the tragedy, emphasizing the ramifications of police actions not only during but also after the horrific event. The community continues to seek justice and clearer answers as the complaint process unfolds.