Vantaa, Finland – A tragic incident unfolded at the Viertola school in Vantaa, Finland when a 12-year-old opened fire in a classroom, injuring three fellow students. The police confirmed that one of the victims, also a 12-year-old, succumbed to the injuries. The suspected perpetrator, another 12-year-old student, has been taken into custody.
The school was quickly surrounded by law enforcement, and the victims were rushed to the hospital for medical attention. Education Minister Anna-Maja Henriksson expressed deep sorrow, highlighting the rarity of such gun-related violence among youth in Finland. The incident has prompted national mourning, with government buildings lowering flags to half-mast.
The shooting shook the community of Vantaa, a suburb of Helsinki, where the Viertola school accommodates around 800 students from first to ninth grade. Parents anxiously awaited outside the school for hours before reuniting with their children, leaving behind coats and exchanging tears and hugs.
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo condemned the attack, urging parents to comfort their children and reassure them about their safety. The suspect reportedly confessed to the crimes during initial questioning, and the authorities are treating the offenses as murder and attempted murder. Due to the suspect’s age, he will be placed in the care of social services rather than being remanded in custody.
It remains unclear what motivated the young shooter, as investigations continue. Reports indicate that the handgun used in the attack belonged to a relative of the suspect. Finland has a history of tragic school shootings, prompting a reevaluation of the nation’s gun policies over the years. In a poignant reminder of past incidents, Finland tightened its gun legislation in 2010, implementing stricter requirements for firearms license applicants.