In a tragic incident that occurred in Vantaa, north of Helsinki on Tuesday morning, a 12-year-old suspect opened fire on three children of the same age at a school that caters to students aged 7 to 15. The shootings took place in a classroom and parents were notified and went to the school to be with their children.
According to police, the suspect was apprehended peacefully in Helsinki and was found to be in possession of a firearm. The injured children and suspect were all 12 years old. A crisis unit has been set up by school and municipal staff to support those affected by the incident. Interior Minister Mari Rantanen expressed empathy for the families involved in the shooting, calling the day a shocking start.
This incident is not an isolated occurrence, as Finland has seen similar tragedies in the past. The country saw two similar incidents in the early 2000s, highlighting the need for continued efforts to prevent such violence. The community is coming together to support those affected by the shooting and ensure that appropriate measures are taken to prevent future incidents.
