KAUHAJOKI — 2008 · Major Tragedy
Kauhajoki School Shooting
On the morning of 23 September 2008, a 22-year-old student at the Kauhajoki School of Hospitality, part of Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences, opened fire on classmates sitting an exam and set the building on fire. Ten people were killed, nine students in their twenties and a teacher. The gunman seriously injured himself and died in hospital the same day. It emerged that police had questioned him the day before over firearm videos he had posted online, but found no legal grounds to detain him because he held a temporary gun licence. Coming a year after the Jokela shooting, the attack led Finland to tighten its gun licensing rules, and the police inspector who had questioned him was tried for dereliction of duty.
- Date
- 2008
- Place
- South Ostrobothnia, Finland, Kauhajoki, FI
- Category
- Major Tragedy
- Case Status
- Closed
- Coordinates
- 62.4310, 22.1790 ↗
Timeline of Events
- 22 September 2008Police questioned him over online videos but did not revoke his licence.
- 23 September 2008The attack took place at the school; ten people died.
- September 2008The interior ministry began investigating the police's conduct.
- September 2009The dereliction of duty trial of the police inspector began.
Sources
- Yle — Nuorukainen ampui kymmenen ihmistä Kauhajoella yle.fi ↗
- Yle — Kauhajoen ampuja kuoli vammoihinsa yle.fi ↗
- Wikipedia — Kauhajoki school shooting en.wikipedia.org ↗
- Yle
- Wikipedia
Source grade A: several independent sources, at least one an official record or reference work. If you spot a mistake or something missing, report it with "Suggest a correction" in the app.
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🕯️ This record was prepared with respect, in memory of those who lost their lives.