A 12-year-old boy who shot and killed a fellow sixth-grader and severely injured two others at a school in Finland has said he was a target of bullying and that this was the motive for his attack, police said on Wednesday.

The boy on Tuesday brought a relative's revolver to Viertola school near Helsinki and shot the three 12-year-olds and threatened several others. He had transferred to the school at the start of 2024, investigators said.

Finland held a national day of mourning on Wednesday, with flags on public buildings flown at half-mast in a sign of respect for the dead child. The two other pupils remained in hospital, with what police said were life-threatening injuries.

"We just found out today that there was this bullying behind the tragedy," lead investigator Detective Chief Inspector Marko Sarkka told Reuters. He declined to elaborate.

Police have not said whether the attacker sought to target any specific individuals.

Finland has seen a rising level of bullying in schools, with 8.6% of pupils who are now around 12 years old saying they had been targeted at least once a week, up from 7.2% in 2019, according to a 2023 study by public health institute THL.

The permit for the revolver used in Tuesday's attack belonged to a relative of the suspect, police said. It was not immediately clear how the shooter had obtained the weapon.

"This matter is being investigated by the police as a separate firearms offence," investigators said in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/world/finland-school-shooting-three-minors-injured-suspect-arrested-706828" hreflang="en">One killed, two injured in Finland school shooting near capital; 12-year-old suspect detained</a>

Mourners lit hundreds of candles and laid flowers outside the school in the town of Vantaa on Wednesday.

The mother of one fifth-grader at the school said parents and teachers should talk more with the children to help identify any cases of bullying as early as possible.

"I want more resources to deal with these incidents," the mother, Valentina Goncharenko, told Reuters.

Following deadly school shootings in 2007 and 2008, Finland tightened its gun legislation in 2010 and introduced an aptitude test for all firearms licence applicants. The minimum age for applicants was also raised to 20 from 18.

There are more than 1.5 million licensed firearms and about 430,000 licence holders in the country of 5.6 million people, where hunting and target shooting are popular.

There were no immediate calls in Finland following Tuesday's incident for a change in the gun laws.

"As far as I understand, you don't easily get a permit for this kind of hand gun and they should be locked away," said Tuomo Matero, a musician out for a stroll in central Helsinki.

"No 12-year-old should have access. If the legislation is followed properly... this kind of thing shouldn't happen. We should make sure there are enough teachers in schools and kids feel safe and that there is no bullying in schools," he added.

A 12-year-old boy who shot and killed a fellow sixth-grader and severely injured two others at a school in Finland has said he was a target of bullying and that this was the motive for his attack, police said on Wednesday.

A 12-year-old boy who shot and killed a fellow sixth-grader and severely injured two others at a school in Finland has said he was a target of bullying and that this was the motive for his attack, police said on Wednesday. The boy on Tuesday brought a relative's revolver to Viertola school near Helsinki and shot the three 12-year-olds and threatened several others. He had transferred to the school at the start of 2024, investigators said. Finland held a national day of mourning on Wednesday, with flags on public buildings flown at half-mast in a sign of respect for the dead child. The two other pupils remained in hospital, with what police said were life-threatening injuries. "We just found out today that there was this bullying behind the tragedy," lead investigator Detective Chief Inspector Marko Sarkka told Reuters. He declined to elaborate. Police have not said whether the attacker sought to target any specific individuals. Finland has seen a rising level of bullying in schools, with 8.6% of pupils who are now around 12 years old saying they had been targeted at least once a week, up from 7.2% in 2019, according to a 2023 study by public health institute THL. The permit for the revolver used in Tuesday's attack belonged to a relative of the suspect, police said. It was not immediately clear how the shooter had obtained the weapon. "This matter is being investigated by the police as a separate firearms offence," investigators said in a statement. Also read | One killed, two injured in Finland school shooting near capital; 12-year-old suspect detained Mourners lit hundreds of candles and laid flowers outside the school in the town of Vantaa on Wednesday. The mother of one fifth-grader at the school said parents and teachers should talk more with the children to help identify any cases of bullying as early as possible. "I want more resources to deal with these incidents," the mother, Valentina Goncharenko, told Reuters. Following deadly school shootings in 2007 and 2008, Finland tightened its gun legislation in 2010 and introduced an aptitude test for all firearms licence applicants. The minimum age for applicants was also raised to 20 from 18. There are more than 1.5 million licensed firearms and about 430,000 licence holders in the country of 5.6 million people, where hunting and target shooting are popular. There were no immediate calls in Finland following Tuesday's incident for a change in the gun laws. "As far as I understand, you don't easily get a permit for this kind of hand gun and they should be locked away," said Tuomo Matero, a musician out for a stroll in central Helsinki. "No 12-year-old should have access. If the legislation is followed properly... this kind of thing shouldn't happen. We should make sure there are enough teachers in schools and kids feel safe and that there is no bullying in schools," he added.

Finland mass shooting: Finnish police say the minor behind school shooting was target of bullying

It is summer time in India, when power consumption reaches its peak every year. In a bid to reduce supply interruptions, the Indian government may invoke an emergency rule to run gas-fired power plants during the summer.

India: Govt may invoke emergency rule to run gas-fired power plants

Tesla shares continued with their downward trend on Tuesday. The company's shares fell 4.9% in New York, extending their 2024 slide to 33%. That's the second-worst showing in the s&p 500 index.

Tesla delivers just 386,810 vehicles in January-March quarter

Taiwanese stocks fell after region was hit by the worst earthquake in 25 years. Shares of the world's largest chip maker Taiwan semiconductor manufacturing fell after it evacuated some operations following the earthquake. Watch in for more details!

Taiwan stocks fall after the strongest earthquake in 25 years

The US Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released its latest projections on the federal government's debt, painting a concerning picture. The report estimates that debt will surge to 116% of GDP by 2034, exceeding levels even seen during world war ii. This alarming trajectory is fuelled by a combination of factors, including rising interest rates and ongoing spending pressures.

US debt projected to reach 116% of GDP by 2034

Russia's seaborne crude exports surged in the final week of march, reaching their highest level in 2024. This comes despite russia agreeing to cut exports as part of an OPEC+ deal to support oil prices. The increase is attributed to easing winds that had previously hampered shipments.

Russia's seaborne crude exports surge to highest level in 2024

Fitch ratings has affirmed Israel's long-term sovereign debt rating at a+, despite the ongoing conflict in Gaza. However, the outlook has been downgraded to negative, signalling caution amid heightened geopolitical risks. This decision comes in contrast to Moody's ratings downgrade in February. Watch in for more details!

Fitch ratings affirms Israel's A+ rating with negative outlook

In Pakistan, the Islamabad High Court judges have received mysterious letters containing powder. Investigations have now revealed that the powder is anthrax. Stay tuned to learn more!

Pakistan: Islamabad High Court judges receive 'anthrax-laced' letters

US President Joe Biden & China President Xi Jinping engaged in a crucial phone call. While, China state-agency described the call as candid and in-depth, there were a lot of things on cards as they discussed bilateral ties and global issues.

Biden & Xi meet: China media calls talk 'candid & deep', military officials to talk soon

The US and the UK have signed an MOU which will see the two Nations work together in testing for the most advanced AI models. Watch in for more details!

US & UK announce partnership on safety testing AI models

As we embark upon a new quarter, the global economic landscape continues to witness dynamic shifts, shaping our collective pursuit of prosperity. Most major economies including the U.S. Have sidestepped forecasts of a recession in 2024. But what's in store for these economies as we look forward? Take a look to find out. Watch in for more details!

Investors await earnings season for trading cues

Taiwan Earthquake: A powerful earthquake of 7.2 magnitude earthquake jolted the Islands capital of Tapei. The earthquake has prompted tsunami warnings in the self-ruled island parts of Southern Japan and Philippines.

Taiwan Earthquake: Taiwan, Japan & the Philippines issue Tsunami warnings

Nigeria's defence chief general says the military was being fed bad intelligence by informants, hampering the fight against armed kidnapping gangs who continue to abduct students and residents in the north of the country.

Nigeria: Villagers rejoice as abducted kids return home, abduction on rise

An Israeli strike killed several people delivering food aid to the besieged Gaza Strip on Monday. The foreign nationals -- reported to be from Poland, Australia, Ireland and the United Kingdom.

US slams Israel for killing for aid workers, Biden 'outraged & heartbroken' by airstrike

Russia President Vladimir Putin has appointed new Navy Commanders - Admiral Alexander Moiseev is the new Navy Chief of Russia.

Russia appoints new Navy Commanders after Black Sea 'setback'

US & China Presidents hold phone call: Biden urges Xi to maintain 'peace & stability' in Taiwan

A joint report by the World Bank & the United Nations has estimated the cost of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza at $8.5 billion. The total infrastructure damage is equal to 97% of the combined gross domestic product of the West Bank and Gaza in 2022. Watch in for more details!

Israel war: Joint World Bank-UN report pegs Gaza's damages at $18.5 billion

Israel-Hamas war: Israel admits 'unintentionally' killed 7 aid workers in Gaza

Voters in New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Wisconsin are casting their ballots in the 2024 presidential primary on Tuesday. Democrat President Joe Biden and his Republican rival former US President Donald Trump are both expected to easily secure win in primaries in these four states. Watch in for more details!

US Elections 2024: Donald Trump visits key battleground states of Michigan & Wisconsin

US & China Presidents hold phone call: Joe Biden, Xi Jinping discuss US-China ties & conflict

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with France's Minister of Defense in Paris. Both the leaders discussed the ongoing collaboration with Europe in supporting Ukraine. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war: NATO foreign ministers to discuss long term support for Ukraine

Israel airstrike in Gaza kills foreign aid workers, Netanyahu admits IDF responsible for strike

Senegal has the youngest president in its history. Bassirou Diomaye Faye once a jail opposition candidate and now dubbed as the man of change was sworn in on Tuesday, Watch in for more details!

Senegal Elections: Bassirou Diomaye Faye promises to govern with 'humility' & 'transparency'

US Elections 2024: Connecticut, New York, Rhode Island & Wisconsin hold primaries

world-news

World News, News on World News, stories on World News, articles on World News, World News stories at Wion, World News news, World News latest news

world news