Updated 19:41 | Published 19:19
Two people died in the shooting in Farsta last Saturday.
One of them was 43-year-old photographer Tesfamichal Beraki.
– I lack words to describe the sadness, says his brother.
Tesfamichal Beraki, 43, was on his way home when he crossed the square in Farsta centrum in southern Stockholm on Saturday evening. To catch up with his train he hastened his steps.
But Tesfamichal Beraki never came forward. Because suddenly the sound of gunfire echoed between the walls of the house.
A total of four people were hit by the 21 shots from the military automatic weapon. Tesfamichal Beraki was one of them.
A day later, the family was informed that he had died from his injuries.
On Wednesday, fruit and vegetable stalls are set up on Farsta torg. Traders call out their prices, passers-by on their way home from work stop in the oppressive heat and everyday life goes on.
In many ways it looks like an ordinary evening.
But outside the subway entrance, a large number of people are gathered. Some stand silently, with clasped hands. Others are crying and holding each other.
On the ground, next to a board with a photo, are lit candles, flowers and a white A4 sheet with black text.
“Tesfit was on his way home after photographing a family,” it says.
The family is arranging a memorial service
Tesfamichal Beraki’s family says that they have traveled to Sweden and Farsta to hold a memorial service for Tesfamichal Beraki. His brother says he is at a loss for words to describe the grief.
– It is very tragic. He was only 43 years old. That he was shot in the middle of the street is terrible.
The family says that Tesfamichal Beraki has lived in Eskilstuna for the past few years. There he spent a large part of his time in the church, where he was very active.
– He was a driving force for Eskilstuna church. It was a big part of his life. There are a lot of rumors after what happened, but he had no connection to crime, says the brother.
Was coming home from a baby shower
On Saturday, he had been to his friends’ baby showers to take photographs. They asked if he also wanted to stay for dinner, but Tesfamichal Beraki was in a hurry to go home.
– He was a very calm, sane and religious person. A person who loved the quiet life, a very nice guy. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time, says a friend.
Just a few meters from Tesfamichal Beraki’s memorial site, the ground is covered with more flowers, and more candles, to honor the memory of 15-year-old Elias – the shooting’s second victim.
– This has not only affected my brother, this affects many young people. If I just tell you to write about my brother, then it’s not fair. Because if I turn around here, I see a 15-year-old who has died, says the brother.
Two detained
On Tuesday, two 19-year-olds were arrested on suspicion of the mass shooting.
The men are previously known to the police, but not for this type of crime. The police have previously said that they feel confident that they have taken the right people.
– We have good witness information and feel sure that we have the right people. But we do not rule out that there may be more involved behind the scenes, he says.
Who they would shoot and why is still unclear.
– So far, the motive picture is murky, Max Åkervall, police chief in Stockholm, has previously said.