Vantaa, Finland – In a tragic incident that shook the community, a 12-year-old student opened fire at the Viertola school in Vantaa, Finland, on Tuesday. The shooting resulted in the death of a fellow student and serious injuries to two others. The school, located in Finland’s fourth-largest city, has approximately 800 pupils and 90 staff members, accommodating children between grades one to nine, aged seven to 15.
Eastern Uusimaa police department chief, Ilkka Koskimaki, confirmed the devastating news during a press conference, revealing that the perpetrator and the victims were all 12 years old. The police have initiated an investigation into the murder and attempted murder at the school.
Witnesses recounted the harrowing moment when gunshots rang through the schoolyard, echoing chaos and fear among the students. Images from the scene depicted a significant presence of law enforcement officers at the school, working diligently to restore safety and order.
Authorities managed to apprehend the shooter, who was carrying a weapon, in Helsinki in a controlled manner. A video captured by a passerby showed police officers subduing the child in a residential area, swiftly responding to the crisis that unfolded inside the school.
As parents anxiously awaited outside the school, police urged the public to stay away from the area and seek refuge indoors. The tragic events of the day not only left a community in mourning but also reignited concerns about school safety and gun violence in Finland.
Finnish Interior Minister Mari Rantanen acknowledged the shocking start to the day, expressing empathy towards the families grappling with uncertainty and grief. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo also conveyed his deep sorrow, extending thoughts and prayers to the victims, their loved ones, and the school’s students and staff members.
The shooting at Viertola school serves as a grim reminder of Finland’s past encounters with school tragedies. The country witnessed horrific school shootings in the early 2000s, highlighting the critical need for continued vigilance and preventative measures to safeguard educational environments. Mental health concerns have been identified as a significant factor contributing to such acts of violence, prompting ongoing discussions about effectively addressing the root causes of such incidents.