Suspect planned Vantaa school shooting for 2-3 weeks

The suspect of the deadly shooting at Viertola school in Vantaa on April 2 planned the attack for two to three weeks before the incident, police said on Wednesday.

The Western Uusimaa police almost completed the preliminary investigation into the incident and preparing the investigation report is underway, said police in a press release.

“All the necessary interrogations and investigative measures have been completed at the moment and completion of the preliminary investigation report is underway. We are still waiting for a few statements from various authorities and partners,” Detective Inspector Marko Särkkä said in the press release.

The 12-year boy, who reportedly killed one of his classmates and wounded two others, told police during the interrogations that he had been planning the attack for two to three weeks.

Police also examined the IT devices used by the suspect and found his interest in websites related to school shootings and similar acts, as well as videos related to weapons and their operation for months.

Police also said that the shooting incident took place in the classroom just one to two minutes.

The suspect came out of a school toilet, placed a scarf over his face, and walked into the classroom. In the classroom he announced that the 'bullying will be ended now' and started shooting at three students.

The preliminary investigation also revealed that the suspect´s intention was to target more than three students.

The police also pointed out the significant role of a teacher who convinced the suspect to leave the school to avoid any more casualties.

Police also confirmed that how the suspect got the weapon and knew its use.

The handgun used in the attack was registered in the name of one of the suspect's close relatives, which police already confirmed earlier.

Police believe that suspect previously fired the weapon a couple of times under the supervision of a relative.

After the preliminary interrogation police said that bullying seemed to be the motive for the school shooting but after preliminary investigation police did not find any evidence supporting the suspect´s claim of bullying as the reason behind the attack.

A student of a school in Vantaa was killed and two others were critically injured when another student of the school attacked them with firearm on April 2.

Earlier on April 3, police said that bullying seemed to be the motive for the school shooting.

On April 8, police said that the gun used in Vantaa school murder was stored properly.