Flags flew at half-mast in Finland as the country mourned the tragic incident at a school in Vantaa, where a 12-year-old boy allegedly shot and killed a classmate and wounded two girls. Police stated that bullying was the motive behind the act, as the suspect claimed he had been a victim of bullying.
The suspect, who had recently joined the Viertola school near Helsinki, wore a mask and noise-cancelling headphones during the shooting. He fled the scene before the police arrived. It was reported that the victim, also a 12-year-old Finnish boy, died at the school premises.
During questioning, the suspect revealed that he had threatened other students with a gun on their way to school. After the shooting, he left the school and threatened others with the weapon.
Although the suspect was carrying a gun, he was apprehended calmly within an hour of the shooting. However, due to his age, he could not be held in police custody and was handed over to social services. The gun used in the shooting belonged to a close relative of the suspect, leading to a separate firearms offense investigation.
The Viertola school, which has approximately 800 pupils aged seven to 15, remained open on the day following the incident. However, pupils had a shorter day than usual, with extensive support provided to both students and staff.
The injured girls are currently receiving treatment in the hospital for their serious injuries. The hospital has declined to share further details about their condition to protect their privacy.
Prime Minister Petteri Orpo expressed deep sadness over the incident, emphasizing the importance of supporting children and offering them comfort during this challenging time.
The incident has reignited discussions about addressing violence among children in society. According to Finland’s Children’s Rights Ombudsman, acts of violence, especially among children under 15, have been increasing in recent years.
In the wake of the shooting, multiple schools across Finland have received threats, highlighting the widespread impact of such incidents on communities.
Finland has experienced several tragic school attacks in the past, including the Jokela school shooting in 2007 and the Kauhajoki school shooting in 2008. These incidents underscore the urgent need for comprehensive measures to prevent violence and ensure the safety of students in educational institutions.
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