Helsinki, Finland – A tragic incident unfolded at a school outside the Finnish capital, resulting in the death of one child and the serious injury of two others on Tuesday. The alleged perpetrator, a 12-year-old fellow pupil, was taken into custody by the police without further violence in the Helsinki suburb of Siltamaki, four kilometers south of the Viertola school in Vantaa district.
Education Minister Anna-Maja Henriksson was visibly emotional when addressing the media hours after the attack, highlighting the rarity of gun violence among youths in the country. The victims and the suspect were all sixth-graders, according to police statements. Two of the injured victims were hospitalized with severe injuries, as confirmed by Criminal Commissioner Marko Sarkka.
National mourning is set to take place on Wednesday, with government buildings flying the flag at half-mast in honor of the victims. Parents had to endure a three-hour wait before being reunited with their children, experiencing emotional scenes of tears and hugs outside the police barricade.
Prime Minister Petteri Orpo expressed deep shock at the incident and urged parents to comfort their children during this difficult time. The suspect, a minor, has admitted to the attack in an initial interview with the police, and authorities are treating the case as murder and attempted murder.
The motives behind the shooting remain unclear, with police confirming that the handgun used in the attack belonged to a relative of the suspect. The suspect will be placed under the care of social services due to his age, as law enforcement officials work to understand the events leading to the tragedy.
Tragically, this school shooting adds to a somber history of similar incidents in Finland, prompting discussions around the nation’s gun policy. Previous school shootings in 2007 and 2008 led to stricter gun legislation in 2010, including mandatory aptitude tests for firearms license applicants and an increase in the minimum age requirement to 20.
As investigations continue and the community grapples with the aftermath of this senseless act of violence, Finland remains united in mourning the loss of young lives and seeking answers to prevent such tragedies in the future.