Flags are flying at half-mast across Finland following a tragic incident at Viertola school in Vantaa, where a child was killed and two others seriously injured in a shooting.
The incident occurred in a classroom, with all three victims aged 12. The suspected shooter, also 12 years old, fled the scene but was later apprehended.
The injured children include one from Kosovo.
In response to the tragedy, all public buildings lowered their flags to mark a day of mourning.
Reports indicate that the suspect wore a mask and noise-cancelling headphones during the shooting, and he was detained by police in Helsinki’s Siltamaki district.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, focusing on murder and attempted murder charges.
While details about the motive have not been disclosed, police cautioned against spreading misinformation on social media.
Notably, Finland’s legal system does not hold children under 15 criminally liable, so the suspect will be placed in the care of social services after further questioning.
The gun used in the shooting was reportedly licensed to a close relative, reflecting Finland’s widespread gun ownership culture.
Elina Pekkarinen, Finland’s Children’s Rights Ombudsman, emphasized the need to address violence among children seriously, noting an increase in such incidents in recent years.
Finland has a significant number of licensed gun owners, with over 1.5 million guns in circulation among a population of 5.6 million.
Source-BBC
