Police investigate multiple shootings at restaurant in Seinäjoki and beach in Jyväskylä

Police are responding to incidents involving firearms dozens of times each month, raising concerns about whether shooting incidents in public places are becoming more common. Over the weekend, at least five individuals were shot during an incident at a restaurant in Seinäjoki. Additionally, there was gunfire at a public beach in Jyväskylä on Saturday morning.

Pekka Heikkinen, an inspector from the Police Board, indicates that there is no precise data on the frequency of shootings in public places. Recent shootings could just be a random spike. Police statistics do not differentiate between public and private shooting incidents. However, the data does include cases of assaults or fights involving gunfire. In 2020, police recorded 275 such incidents, while in 2023, the number has dropped to 223. So far this year, there have been 139 recorded incidents, slightly higher than the 126 recorded during the same timeframe last year.

In the East Uusimaa region, police have been categorizing emergency calls for several years based on whether the officers need to prepare for the possibility of a firearm being involved. Superintendent Jussi Huhtela notes that, on average, there are about ten such cases per month in East Uusimaa, a number that is likely much higher nationally. Although the monthly figures may fluctuate, there is no clear indication that firearm-related incidents are increasing.

Heikkinen mentions information from Sweden about a growing trend of preparedness that could lead to more shootings, as criminals may carry weapons to protect themselves, believing others are armed too. He warns that this situation might eventually lead to unnecessary escalation. While statistics show an increase in assaults, homicides in Finland are at their lowest point ever.