Prime Minister Orpo: My thoughts are with the victims and their families and friends

A shooting took place on Tuesday at Viertola school in Vantaa, in which one pupil died and two were seriously injured. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo gave a statement on the incident at an event for the media in Parliament.

“This incident is deeply upsetting. On my own behalf and on behalf of the Government, I would like to express my condolences to the family and friends of the deceased child. In addition, two children were seriously injured. My thoughts are with the victims, their families and the pupils and staff of Viertola school.

It is important that the pupils, staff and families receive all the support they need.

Today and in the next few days, we need to be there for children and young people, to offer words of comfort and show them we care. They may be scared, and they may have questions. It is important that we talk about the incident in our homes.

I would like to say to children and young people all over Finland that the Finnish authorities and school staff do their utmost every day to prevent incidents like this from happening.

The circumstances that led to this incident are being thoroughly investigated, and we will be able to draw conclusions later. Schools must be a safe place for both pupils and employees.”