Helsinki, Finland – Following a tragic school shooting at Viertola school near Helsinki, Finnish police have revealed that the 12-year-old suspect had apparently planned the attack in advance, as indicated by evidence from confiscated electronics. The incident, which resulted in the death of a fellow sixth-grader and left two other children severely injured, is believed to have been motivated by bullying, according to investigators.
Authorities shared that initial findings suggest the young boy had made preparations for the shooting, with materials supporting this theory found on his phone and computer. The suspect, who was apprehended by police about 4km away from the school, is too young to face trial and has been placed under the care of social services. Despite his youth, the boy has reportedly confessed to the crime.
In response to previous school shootings in 2007 and 2008, Finland implemented stricter gun control laws in 2010, including the introduction of an aptitude test for those seeking firearm licenses and raising the minimum age requirement from 18 to 20. The nation, known for its popular hunting and target shooting activities, currently has over 1.5 million licensed firearms and approximately 430,000 license holders among its 5.6 million population.
Law enforcement officials have disclosed that they are still investigating how the 12-year-old suspect gained access to the gun used in the shooting, which was reportedly owned by a close relative. The comprehensive probe into the tragic incident is expected to extend over the coming months, as authorities work to gather all relevant information and testimony. There are plans to interview one of the hospitalized children involved in the shooting in the near future, as the community grapples with the aftermath of this devastating event.