Gov't Promises Action Following Kauhajoki Shootings
Image: Ministers speaking at the government press conference on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen and Finance Minister Jyrki Katainen have pledged government action in the aftermath of the Kauhajoki tragedy. However, they have not yet specified what new measures the government will take.
According to Interior Minister Anne Holmlund, the suspected perpetrator posted several videos on the website YouTube -- most recently on Friday -- showing himself firing a pistol, which he bought last month. He was questioned by police concerning the videos on Monday, but no further steps were deemed necessary.
The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health has established a crisis group to coordinate health care and crisis support for Kauhajoki.
Justice Minister Tuija Brax says gun laws should come under review as soon as possible. Brax, however, refused to say whether the government would take action.
Several ministers including Holmlund, Education Minister Sari Sarkomaa and Minister of Health and Social Services Paula Risikko convened a meeting to discuss the shooting in Kauhajoki. The chairs of the parliamentary groups and police officials were also present in the meeting.
Vanhanen expressed the government's condolences and suggested flying flags at half-mast on Wednesday.