12 year old detained after school shooting in Finland kills 1 student, injures 2 others

Ahjané Forbes, USA TODAY
·2 min read
Finnish police officers guard the scene behind police tapes at the primary Viertola comprehensive school where a child opened fire and injured three other children, on April 2, 2024 in Vantaa, outside the Finnish capital Helsinki. Police said, that the attacker was in custody, and "All those involved in the shooting incident are minors".
Finnish police officers guard the scene behind police tapes at the primary Viertola comprehensive school where a child opened fire and injured three other children, on April 2, 2024 in Vantaa, outside the Finnish capital Helsinki. Police said, that the attacker was in custody, and "All those involved in the shooting incident are minors".
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One victim has died and two others have suffered serious injuries after a school shooting in Finland on Tuesday morning, state police in Finland said.

The Poliisi responded to a report that a shooting had taken place at the Viertola school in Vantaa. about 12 miles north of Helsinki, Finland.

The victims, all 12-year-olds, are students of the Jokiranta school which is administratively a part of Viertola school, according to a press release by the Poliisi.

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Finnish police officers, police vehicles and an ambulance are seen at the primary Viertola comprehensive school where a child opened fire and injured three other children, on April 2, 2024 in Vantaa, outside the Finnish capital Helsinki. Police said, that the attacker was in custody, and "All those involved in the shooting incident are minors".
Finnish police officers, police vehicles and an ambulance are seen at the primary Viertola comprehensive school where a child opened fire and injured three other children, on April 2, 2024 in Vantaa, outside the Finnish capital Helsinki. Police said, that the attacker was in custody, and "All those involved in the shooting incident are minors".

Around 9:08 a.m. police were dispatched to the area after a report came through the Emergency Response Centre that the shooting had taken place at the school. Responding officers were told that three people were injured. The suspect, also a 12-year-old, left the scene before police arrived. Poliisi investigators then located and apprehended the suspect at 10:00 a.m. in Siltamäki, Helsinki, officers said.

During the preliminary interview with investigators, the suspect admitted to being involved in the incident and a firearm was found in the suspect's possession, police said.

The Poliisi will continue to investigate what led up to the shooting and will hold a press conference later today to reveal their findings.

Finnish officials react to the news of the shooting at the Viertola school

Finnish police officers and police vehicles are seen at the primary Viertola comprehensive school where a child opened fire and injured three other children, on April 2, 2024 in Vantaa, outside the Finnish capital Helsinki. Police said, that the attacker was in custody, and "All those involved in the shooting incident are minors".
Finnish police officers and police vehicles are seen at the primary Viertola comprehensive school where a child opened fire and injured three other children, on April 2, 2024 in Vantaa, outside the Finnish capital Helsinki. Police said, that the attacker was in custody, and "All those involved in the shooting incident are minors".

In post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Finland’s Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said he was shocked by the news of the shooting.

“The shooting scene in Vantaa deeply shocks. My thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones and the other students and staff of Viertola school,” Orpo wrote in the X post.

Orpo said he plans work with the Poliisi as they begin their investigation into the incident.

“We are following the situation closely and are waiting for updated information from the authorities,” Orpo wrote.

Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on the National Trending Team at USA TODAY. Ahjané covers breaking news, car recalls, crime, health, lottery and public policy stories. Email her at aforbes@gannett.com. Follow her on Instagram, Threads and X @forbesfineest.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 1 dead, 2 injured in Finland school shooting, 12-year-old suspect