It was the day that Finns broke their silence, abandoned their legendary stoicism.
As flags fluttered at half-mast across the nation and candles lit in the icy wind, the survivors of the country’s first chilling school bloodbath tried to talk away their fears.
“Finns usually prefer to maintain a stiff upper lip during an emotional crisis,” said youth worker Jenni Lehtinen in Jokela church, an hour’s drive out of Helsinki. “This time it’s different ”” the kids cannot stop talking, asking where it is safe nowadays if not in their own school.”
As if to underline the new sense of insecurity in this most placid of Nordic societies, two armoured personnel carriers have been parked close to the school. Only the Army and the church, it seems, can reassure these young Finns.
The shooting spree by a disturbed 18-year-old student, Pekka-Eric Auvinen, has stunned the nation. In 20 minutes around noon on Wednesday ”” maths for some pupils, English for others ”” Auvinen used his newly acquired Sig Sauer pistol to kill the headmistress, the school nurse and six pupils. At least a dozen others were injured.
A hurting world is asking “why” and seeking answers …
Heavenly Father …. For the sake of His sorrowful passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
This is so very tragic. Lord, somehow speak grace and peace to the people of Finland. Help this generation.