Police Evaluation of Örebro Mass Shooting Highlights Need for Faster Emergency Response

A recent police evaluation of the tragic mass shooting at Campus Risbergska in Örebro, which occurred on February 4, 2025, has revealed critical delays in emergency response that may have impacted life-saving efforts. The shooting, perpetrated by 35-year-old Rickard Andersson, resulted in ten fatalities and six injured before Andersson took his own life shortly after police arrived.

Although police were dispatched within five minutes after receiving the first alert at 12:33 PM, fears of additional shooters delayed emergency services from entering the scene and providing urgent aid. Some victims may have survived between 30 to 45 minutes, during which they were able to make and receive phone calls, raising serious concerns among victims' families about the speed of the response.

Erik Nord, head of the investigation unit in the Västra Götaland region, stated, "It must go faster for them to be able to come in and start working," emphasizing the need to improve response times to ensure more victims can be saved. He noted that uncertainties about further dangers contributed to the hesitation in initiating rescue operations.

The evaluation also discussed balancing the safety of rescue personnel with the urgent necessity to assist victims. Johan Olsson, head of the national operational department (Noa), highlighted that the ongoing deadly violence (PDV) tactic, which prioritizes neutralizing the shooter quickly, must be complemented with faster medical intervention. He affirmed that the findings will shape future collaboration between police, emergency services, and healthcare providers to better handle such crises.

This comprehensive review provides crucial insights into the challenges faced during the Örebro incident and underscores the importance of refining emergency protocols to reduce response delays while safeguarding rescuers. With these findings, authorities aim to enhance preparedness and save more lives in future emergencies.