In Vantaa, north of Helsinki, a 12-year-old suspect opened fire and injured three children of the same age at a school that serves around 800 students between the ages of 7 and 15. The shootings took place in a classroom and parents were able to speak to their children over the phone.
The arrest of the suspect was carried out peacefully, with the perpetrator found in possession of a firearm. The police officers were shown in a video holding the suspect down to the ground during the arrest.
Interior Minister Mari Rantanen expressed her sympathy for the families affected by the incident and acknowledged the shock felt across the country due to the shooting at Viertola school. The country has experienced similar tragedies in the past in early 2000s. A crisis unit has been established by the school and municipality to manage this situation.
