Vantaa, Finland: A tragic incident unfolded at Viertola school in Vantaa, Finland, as a 12-year-old student opened fire, resulting in the death of a fellow student and the serious injury of two others. The school, located in Finland’s fourth-largest city, has a student body of approximately 800 ranging from grades 1 to 9.
The shooting took place after 9:00 am, leading to the fatality of a 6th-grade student and leaving two others with severe wounds. Ilkka Koskimaki, chief of the Eastern Uusimaa police department, disclosed this information during a media conference. Both the suspect and the victims were identified as being 12 years old, prompting authorities to launch an investigation into the incident for murder and attempted murder.
Tragically, the victim succumbed to their injuries at the scene while the suspected perpetrator had already fled the school premises by the time law enforcement arrived. The suspect, found in possession of a firearm, was peacefully apprehended around 10:00 am and reportedly confessed to being the shooter during initial questioning.
Due to the young age of the suspect, authorities indicated that they would not be detained but instead handed over to social services following further interviews. The response to the crisis saw a significant deployment of police officers, some equipped with firearms and protective gear, surrounding the school grounds.
Parents of students recounted that the shooting occurred within a classroom, though law enforcement refrained from disclosing further details during a subsequent press briefing. The tragic event has sent shockwaves throughout the community, emphasizing the need for ongoing efforts to address and prevent such senseless acts of violence within educational settings.