12 Year Old Pupil Shoots Class Mate To Death in Finland
A tragic incident unfolded at Viertola school in Vantaa, Finland, as a 12 year old pupil shoots his class mate to death. The deceased is also a 12 year old pupil. Aside this, two others were seriously wounded. The suspect, fled the scene but was later apprehended by authorities.
The shooting took place in a classroom shortly after classes resumed following the Easter weekend. As police arrived at the scene within nine minutes of the incident, they found themselves attending to the victims, all of whom were in the sixth grade.
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The suspect fled from the school but was apprehended in a calm manner in the northern district of Helsinki. He was found in possession of a firearm, which he had used in the shooting, and admitted to the act during initial questioning. Despite his age, under Finnish law, children under 15 are not held criminally liable. As a result, the suspect is being placed under the care of social services rather than being remanded in custody.
The firearm used in the shooting was licensed to a relative of the suspect, highlighting the accessibility of firearms in Finland, where gun ownership is widespread. Children over the age of 15 can obtain licenses to use firearms belonging to others.
Following the incident, authorities launched an investigation into murder and attempted murder. Meanwhile, students were advised to remain in their classrooms for safety.
Prime Minister Petteri Orpo expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, extending his condolences to the victims’ families and the school community. Viertola school, with its 800 students and 90 staff members, has been left reeling from the shock of the shooting, which occurred at its Jokiranta site, where children aged 9-13 are taught.
The incident has prompted a renewed discussion on gun laws in Finland, which saw deadly school shootings in 2007 and 2008. Despite previous legislative efforts to tighten regulations, including raising the minimum age for gun ownership to 18, challenges remain in ensuring the safe handling and access to firearms, given the country’s strong hunting and gun enthusiast culture.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy, support and condolences pour in from across the nation, emphasizing the need for vigilance and preventative measures to avoid such senseless acts of violence in the future.