The suspected shooter, a twelve-year-old boy, stated when questioned “that he was the victim of bullying and this information was also confirmed by the preliminary investigation,” the police said on Wednesday. The boy had only been attending the Viertola School in Vantaa since the beginning of the year.
- Also read: Shots in Finnish school: 12-year-old dead, 2 children injured
The twelve-year-old opened fire on Tuesday morning at the school north of the capital Helsinki. He killed a classmate and seriously injured two girls. He then fled the scene and was arrested about an hour later. According to the police, the murder weapon, a revolver, came from a relative of the twelve-year-old. According to Finnish police, he confessed to the crime.
The officers opened an investigation into murder and attempted murder. Since the accused is younger than 15 years, he cannot be prosecuted criminally and will not be imprisoned.
Horror and sadness
Meanwhile, the violence in Finland has sparked horror and sadness. The country commemorated the victims on Wednesday. On the national day of mourning, flags flew at half-mast. Meanwhile, the investigation continued.
- You might also be interested in: “Bullying is like a drug”
Many people laid flowers and lit candles in the snow in front of the school. On Wednesday there were classes at the Viertola School for half the day, as Vantaas Deputy Mayor Katri Kalske said. The city administration therefore set up a psychological counseling center. The attack will also be discussed with students at all of the city’s schools in an “age-appropriate” manner, Kalske said. The church also offered pastoral support to those affected.
Support for children and young people
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo also announced support. “In the coming days we must be there for the children and young people, give them words of comfort and show them that we care for them,” he said. It is normal for children to be afraid and want to “ask questions”. “It is important that we talk about this incident at home,” warned Orpo.
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Source: Nachrichten
