Vantaa, Finland – Finnish authorities disclosed that the young suspect involved in the tragic school shooting incident was a victim of bullying after transferring to a new school, which possibly led to the deadly retaliation against his classmates. The 12-year-old confessed to the authorities that he was responsible for the death of one classmate and the severe injury of two others during the violent attack that occurred on Tuesday. Law enforcement officers were able to locate and apprehend the suspected shooter after he attempted to flee the scene following the incident.
According to the police, the motive behind the dreadful act was identified as bullying. The suspect, in his statements to the police during the interrogation, revealed that he had been subjected to bullying both at school and as confirmed by the initial investigation conducted by the authorities. Reports indicated that the child had recently started at Viertola school in Vantaa earlier in the year but struggled to adjust to the new environment.
The tragic shooting spree resulted in the death of one 12-year-old boy and left two young girls of the same age in critical condition. After the shooting took place inside the school premises, the young suspect fled on foot but was later apprehended by the police. Disturbing footage depicting the moment of the suspect’s arrest showed him lying face down on the ground between officers, with a handgun nearby. The incident is being treated as a case of murder and attempted murder by the authorities.
The two injured classmates are currently receiving medical treatment in a hospital, while the boy who was fatally shot died instantly from the injuries sustained. Due to Finland’s legal standards regarding criminal liability, which require an individual to be at least 15 years old to face formal charges, the suspected shooter can only undergo questioning by law enforcement before being handed over to child welfare authorities for further actions.
The tragic event prompted a swift response from armed police officers who arrived at the school located just outside the capital city of Helsinki following reports of gunfire. The incident led the town to be placed under lockdown, prompting authorities to advise residents to remain indoors and avoid interacting with strangers. In response to the shooting, local authorities assembled a crisis team to address the situation and support the affected individuals and families.
The community and families of the victims were left devastated by the attack, with parents anxiously gathering outside the school gates to gather information about the safety of their children. In a touching display of solidarity and remembrance, members of the community placed candles and flowers outside the school as a tribute to the victims. The Finnish government declared a national day of mourning, ordering flags to be flown at half-mast across the country to honor those affected by the tragedy.