The Government offered its sincere condolences to the families of victims of the shooting incident in Jokela

Government Communications Unit
Press release 321/2007
7.11.2007

The Government of Finland discussed in its evening session on 7 November the shooting incident that had taken place in the Jokela School Centre. After the meeting, Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen extended the Government’s heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of victims of the incident. During the evening session, the Government observed a short period of silence to commemorate the victims.

Prime Minister Vanhanen said that the incident cut a deep gash into the Finns' feeling of security and emphasised, together with the other Ministers, the significance of providing proper after-care.

The Ministry of the Interior has made a decision that flags are to be flown at half-mast on all public buildings on Thursday, 8 November, and urges the whole country to follow the example.