The Government expresses its condolences on the Kauhajoki murder

Government Communications Unit
Press Release  283/2008
23 September 2008

At the government press conference on Tuesday 23 September, Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen extended the Government’s deep condolences on the traumatic shooting incidence in Kauhajoki. 

- The society will provide all necessary aid to the victims, those who underwent the tragic attack and their families. The state, town, parish and the NGOs cooperate comprehensively. The crisis affects several municipalities as the students of the school come from a wide area.

According to early estimates, this attack has unfortunate similarities with the shooting incidence that took place in Jokela a year ago and with other attacks that have taken place in various parts of the world, Prime Minister Vanhanen says.

Last year, several schools have been targets in incidents involving malicious threats. It is hoped that the incident will be thoroughly discussed at schools and especially at homes to prevent such mentally ill behaviour. Reinforcing the sense of community is the strongest means to prevent such shocking offences, Prime Ministers Vanhanen points out.

According to the Prime Minister, the Ministry of the Interior has made a decision that flags are to be flown at half-mast on all public buildings on Wednesday, 24 September, and urges the whole country to follow the example.