Teenager Suspected of Attempted School Massacre in Lohja
A 16-year-old boy is suspected of attempting a school massacre at Lohja Joint Lyceum last Friday, according to the Western Uusimaa Police. The suspect, who is a student at the upper secondary school, allegedly tried to set the building on fire, but the attempt was unsuccessful and the fire did not ignite. Yle reports that no outsiders were injured in the incident.
The boy was taken to hospital after attempting to harm himself, and he remains in medical care. Detective Chief Inspector Marjut Kronlund of the Western Uusimaa Police told Helsingin Sanomat (HS) that the suspect may be transferred to police custody as early as Tuesday. He is scheduled to be presented for detention later this week.
Police found a bladed weapon, ignition devices, and a manifesto in the boy’s possession. The suspect reportedly stated that he had attempted a school massacre, though authorities have not disclosed the contents of the manifesto. Ilta-Sanomat notes that the investigation is currently focused on charges of attempted vandalism and preparation of a serious crime against life or health, with the charges having been updated since the initial report.
According to HS, up to 50 people were present in the school at the time of the incident, and they evacuated the building independently after a fire alarm was triggered. The police plan to question the boy on Wednesday to clarify his motives and account of events.
Kronlund told Ilta-Sanomat that the investigation is ongoing, and no further details on the suspect’s motives are available until he has been formally questioned.
