Report reveals new details of school shooting at Viertola in Vantaa

New information regarding the school shooting at Viertola in Vantaa is expected to be released today. The police will announce the completed preliminary investigation at 9 a.m. Following this, police documents related to the case will become public, barring any classified information. A 12-year-old boy is suspected of committing murder and two attempted murders at the school on April 2. Other charges include two counts of illegal threats, preparing to commit a serious offense against life or health, and firearm offenses.

According to police communications, the upcoming report will include details not previously disclosed. Due to the suspect’s young age, the case will not be forwarded to prosecutors for charges.

The suspect, who was in grade six, arrived at school armed and shot three classmates in a classroom. A 12-year-old boy was killed, while two sixth-grade girls were seriously injured. One girl was discharged from the hospital only last week, roughly six months after the shooting, and police have not yet been able to interview her. The second injured girl was released a week and a half after the incident, and police have since discussed the events with her.

Police stated the shooting incident lasted between one to two minutes. Upon arriving at school, the suspect first went to the restroom, where he covered his face with a scarf before entering the classroom and opening fire. The attacker fired four shots at close range, having initially intended to target more than three individuals and carrying 14 rounds of ammunition. An alert teacher intervened, prompting the suspect to leave the school.

The police indicated that the motive appears to be linked to bullying, based on the suspect’s own experiences. However, no concrete evidence of bullying has been found in the investigation. The suspect had transferred to Viertola school 11 weeks prior to the shooting.

The boy, now 13, cannot face prosecution under Finnish law, which sets the criminal responsibility age at 15. Nonetheless, he may be liable for compensation for damages and suffering. He has been under social services’ supervision since the start of the investigation and has expressed remorse during police questioning.