HELSINKI, Finland – A masked gunman opened fire at a trade school in western Finland, killing 10 people before turning the gun on himself Sept. 23. The previous day, police questioned the shooter in regards to the violent videos he had posted on YouTube.
Matti Juhani Saari, 22, entered a classroom at Kauhajoki School of Hospitality around 11 a.m. (4 a.m. ET), where students were taking an exam, according to police. Witnesses said Saari was dressed in all black and was carrying a large bag, which contained a .22-caliber pistol and explosive devices. The explosive devices were used to start a fire.
Some of the bodies were burned beyond recognition, according to police. Nine students, eight female and one male, and a teacher were murdered during the incident.
The shooting is reminiscent of an incident last November where 18-year-old Pekka-Eric Auvinen killed six students, a school nurse and the principal before turning the gun on himself at a southern Finland high school. In both incidents, the attackers posted angry YouTube videos praising the 1999 Columbine school shootings.
Currently, the rate of gun ownership in Finland is the highest in the world; however, after the recent shooting, Finland officials are now questioning their nation’s gun policy.
At the time of the shooting, 150 students were present on campus. Finnish authorities declared Sept. 24 as a day of mourning.
For additional information:
- Finland school toll hits 11, including gunman
- Suspected Gunman Was Questioned Before Shooting Massacre at Finnish School
- Finnish gunman kills 9 at college
- Gunman Kills 10 at School in Finland, Then Self
- Finland mourns dead students, rethinks law
- Finland school shooting sparks debate over gun ownership
Related Articles:
- Finland School Shooter Linked to Pennsylvania Plotter
- Police Investigate YouTube Videos and Suicide in Finland School Shooting
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