Finnish leaders expressed shock over a school shooting incident which claimed a child's life in the city of Vantaa on Tuesday.

One 12-year-old pupil died, while two others were injured inthe shooting, which was allegedly carried out by another 12-year-old who fled the scene on foot. Police reported they apprehended the suspect in northern Helsinki, close to the border with Vantaa.

At a press conference arranged by members of the government to discuss the school shooting on Tuesday afternoon, Prime MinisterPetteri Orpo (NCP) said that the incident left him speechless.

"What made [the incident] particularly shocking was the age of the victims and suspect. On behalf of myself and the government, I want to send my condolences to the deceased child's family and relatives," Orpo said.

Meanwhile, Interior MinisterMari Rantanen (Finns) thanked authorities for what she characterised as their rapid response to the situation.

Handgun questions

She added that everyone was waiting to learn how the 12-year-old suspect managed to get hold of the firearm.

"The background and reason for the incident will be thoroughly reviewed," Rantanen told reporters.

Education MinisterAnna-Maja Henriksson (SPP) had tears in her eyes during her comments to the press.

"We witnessed a terrible event today. My thoughts are with the victim — the 12-year-old who will never come home from school again. It is a great tragedy," Henriksson said.

The minister said the safety of children in schools must be guaranteed every day, adding that she thinks it is important that the incident is discussed in schools.

Henriksson added that it is important to find out how the gun ended up in the school as well as weigh what measures should be taken to avoid such incidents.

PM Orpo said his government had a special focus on improvements at elementary schools.

"It's clear that far too many young people struggle with mental health problems. We need to be able to address these issues sooner," Orpo told reporters.

Shock and condolences

Earlier in the day, Finnish political leaders had posted condolences on social media.

PresidentAlexander Stubb expressed shock about the fatal shooting on social media site X.

"The events in Vantaa have shocked me. I offer my deepest condolences to the deceased schoolboy's family. I hope for strength for the recovery of the injured. All of the students and staff at the school are in my thoughts," Stubb's post read in Finnish and Swedish.

In an X post earlier in the day, Prime Minister Orpo called the incident "deeply shocking".

"My thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones and the other students and staff of the school."

Interior Minister Rantanen also expressed shock in a post on the X social network, which used to be known as Twitter.

"The day started in a shocking way. There was a school shooting incident at the Viertola school in Vantaa. I can only imagine the pain and worry many families are experiencing right now," her post read.

The minister also noted that the perpetrator had been caught and that the Eastern Uusimaa Police department was in charge of the situation.

Finance Minister and Deputy PMRiikka Purra (Finns) said these kinds of incidents should never happen.

"Terrible news about school violence in Vantaa. The pain, worry and uncertainty in homes, of parents and loved ones, and the security of the school and children's security have been shaken in the worst way... This should never happen. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and the school," her post on X read.

Education Minister Henriksson said she was keeping an eye on the situation.

"Shocking news from Vantaa. We are following the situation closely," Henriksson's post read.

The first vice-chair of the Social Democratic Party, MPNasima Razmyar, also posted about the incident on X.

"Shocking news. This should never happen. Thoughts are now with those injured, their families, the school community and the authorities," her post read.

Leader of the opposition Left Alliance, MPLi Andersson, who served as education minister in the previous government, said the incident was a major shock.

"Reports about the shooting incident at the Vantaa school are very shocking. My thoughts are with the victims as well as all the children and families. This is a big shock for the entire school community," Andersson's post on X read.