Helsinki, Finland – In a tragic incident, a 12-year-old student opened fire at a school in Vantaa, Finland, resulting in the death of one classmate and serious injuries to two others. As a mark of mourning, Finland will fly its flags at half-mast on Wednesday, with all public buildings and institutions participating in the tribute.
The shooting took place on Tuesday morning at the school, which accommodates around 90 staff members and 800 students aged seven to 15. Reports from Finnish TV channel MTV Uutiset revealed that the young shooter was wearing a mask and noise-cancelling headphones during the attack. Tragically, a 12-year-old child lost their life at the scene, while the suspect had already fled the school by the time authorities arrived.
Investigations into the incident have been initiated, focusing on the motive behind the act and the circumstances surrounding it. The suspect, who was swiftly arrested within an hour of the shooting, admitted to being the shooter during initial questioning. Authorities stated that the suspect was in possession of a gun that belonged to a relative.
Prime Minister Petteri Orpo expressed deep distress over the tragedy, emphasizing the importance of supporting the victims, their families, and the school community during such a difficult time. Similarly, Finnish President Alexander Stubb conveyed his shock and extended condolences to the family of the deceased student. These sentiments were echoed by national figures and officials, highlighting the need for solidarity and compassion in the face of such senseless violence.
Elina Pekkarinen, Finland’s Children’s Rights Ombudsman, underscored the urgency of addressing violence among children in society, noting a concerning trend of escalating incidents involving young individuals. The tragic event in Vantaa adds to a series of school attacks that have rocked Finland in recent years, prompting a reflection on the broader issue of violence prevention and intervention. As the nation grapples with the aftermath of this latest tragedy, the call for unity, support, and dialogue becomes increasingly vital in safeguarding the well-being of its youth.