Finland school shooting suspect held after pupil, 12, dies – two others are seriously injured
A shooting at a school in Finland has killed one child and seriously injured two others.
All three victims of the shooting are 12 years old, and the suspected shooter is also 12. He initially fled the scene but was later apprehended.
Parents, speaking to Finnish media, revealed that the incident occurred within a classroom at Viertola School in Vantaa, situated north of the capital, Helsinki.
Authorities responded swiftly, reaching the school within nine minutes at 09:17 local time (06:17 GMT) and attending to the victims.
Upon police arrival, the suspect fled but was later apprehended “calmly” in Helsinki’s northern Siltamaki district at 09:58. A video captured by a passing vehicle depicts the suspect being subdued alongside a road approximately 4km (2.5 miles) from the school.
Authorities seized a firearm from the suspect, who admitted to carrying out the shooting. An investigation into murder and attempted murder has been initiated.
Children under the age of 15 are not held criminally accountable in Finland. As a result, the suspect will undergo further questioning and subsequently be placed under the care of social services.
The suspect is understood to have used a gun licensed to a close relative. Gun ownership is widespread in Finland and children over 15 can have licences to use other people’s firearms.
Finland shooting suspect & timeline – what we know so far
What to know about the school shooting in Finland pic.twitter.com/qUP2gPlWY1
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