School shooting sparks debates about bullying and gun control
05 April 2024
After a 12-year-old student opened fire in a classroom in Vantaa, killing one and critically injuring two more of his classmates (also 12), many were shocked not only by the events themselves but also by the young age of the suspect and the victims. Given that the suspect expressed that the crime happened in the context of bullying, the events reignited debates surrounding bullying. Several young people interviewed by news outlet Helsingin Sanomat said that they were ''shocked but not surprised'' after hearing of the suspect's motives. According to them, bullying is a problem that is both very prevalent and largely ignored by school staff.
The events also sparked debates about gun control. Finland has one of the highest rates of civilian gun ownership in the world, but gun crimes are generally avoided thanks to strict gun laws, which tend to be revised or tightened when shootings do occur.
 | Niina Leppilahti The suspect fled the scene after the shootings, but was apprehended by police less than an hour later. He has since confessed to the shootings, as well as opened up about his motives. His actions seem to have been premeditated, and the gun used belonged to a close relative; police are now investigating whether said relative took the necessary precautions to store the gun safely, as failing to do so constitutes a crime under Finnish law. As for the fate of the suspect, since those under the age of 15 are not considered justiciable in Finland, it is social services that decide what is to be done to young perpetrators on a case-by-case basis. |
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