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In a tragic incident that shook the nation, Finland mourns the loss of a 12-year-old child in a school shooting allegedly perpetrated by a fellow pupil. Two other students, also aged 12, sustained severe injuries in the attack at Viertola school.
Amidst anxious scenes outside the school, where parents waited for news, teachers swiftly secured classrooms as police thoroughly searched the premises. The suspect was later apprehended approximately 4km away, still in possession of a firearm.
Flags flew at half-mast across Finland as a mark of respect for the young victim, while the government declared a national day of mourning.
The identity of the alleged shooter and victims, all 12-year-old pupils, were not disclosed by authorities.
While the motive behind the shooting remains unclear, police revealed that the handgun used was licensed to a relative of the suspect.
Finland, having endured previous school shootings, has implemented stringent gun legislation, including an aptitude test for firearm license applicants and raising the minimum age for eligibility.
With over 1.5 million licensed firearms and approximately 430,000 license holders in the country, Finland grapples with balancing gun ownership with public safety concerns.
Hunting and target shooting remain popular, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and regulatory measures.
